October is BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

 This month has flown by! I was babysitting the grandkids in another state for the first two weeks, which left little computer time. My blog was sadly neglected. 

For those who may not know, am a Breast Cancer Survivor. I was diagnosed in 1994 as the result of a mammogram. The radiologist took a magnifying glass to the films (yes, this was back in the day). She saw some teeny tiny white dots that she didn't like. Without her utmost scrutiny, the story might have had a different ending.  I had a lumpectomy followed by 6 weeks of radiation. The lymph nodes were clear and I needed no other treatment. I began having twice yearly mammograms. 

Three years later in 1997, in one of those mammograms with the same doctor, she saw something she didn't like. I had a mastectomy but needed no radiation or chemo. 

The reason I am sharing today is to urge you to get a mammogram. Early detection is key! I know all of the excuses - it hurts, I don't have time, I weigh more so don't want to go to the doctor for my physical.....

but you need to make yourself get this test! Seriously, it is that important! 

On a much cheerier note, I have been prepping for several art happenings. A local coffee shop is hosting an artist from our art group each month. I am up for November, so have been getting works ready to hang on Tuesday. I will also be participating in two holiday markets and have been working on cards and ornaments for those. 

Here are a few of the paintings I will be hanging in the coffee shop. 

I will post cards and ornaments next week. 

Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words. 

I am Back

 Autumn is flying back and I apologize for my absence! 

But, I am back and with some exciting news. 

I am the Guest Detective for the Color Stories Inspiration Blog. Case file #396 Included this scene. You can use the colors, the patterns, the theme and more for inspiration. 

When I saw it, I immediately thought of my 47 year old Better Homes and Garden cookbook. It also brought to mind the fun times, my daughter and her kids have making pancakes on weekend mornings.  I combined those two into this layout - Homemade with Love. 

I used a pattern background, wood embellishments, ric rak and even a recipe that I distressed. To complete the look, I dripped "pancake batter" all over the layout. 

For Case file #397, I took a totally different direction. 

On our list of fall things to do is pumpkin hunting. Last year, I was able to visit Schnepf Farms with my grandkids. I created a large pumpkin using watercolor paints and paper. I also painted the wood embellishments. I included the map of the farm which provided a fun afternoon of fun. 

I encourage you to stop by CSI and play along with the challenges. 

I appreciate your stopping by my blog and for your kind words. Happy Almost weekend!

Sold out

 Well, almost sold out. Yesterday was Art in the Park and as a member of the Rogue River Artists Association, I participated. It was a hot summer day and crowds filled the park. 

I started set up at 6 am because I was also helping visiting artists unload and set up. 

My thanks to everyone stopped by and admired especially to those who made a purchase. 

These two paintings went to new homes!

My card rack has about 10 cards left on it

And I sold almost 20 Christmas ornaments. 

I am taking today to relax then it is back to work painting more for the November show. 

My sincere thank yous to everyone who made a purchase. It truly made my day! 

Thank you for visiting and for your kind words. 

Anything Goes

 Anything goes is the challenge this week over at Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge. 

I am sharing this watercolor/mixed media card. I painted and used stamps and stencils. 

Thank you for visiting and for your card words. 

Preschool

 My granddaughter started Kindergarten and my grandson started a new Preschool. 

I used this sketch from StickitDown

I used a variety of very old products from different manufacturers. 

Thank you for visiting and for your kind words.

I scrapped!

 I actually scrapped! It has been so long and I am getting farther and farther behind. Or it is just that there are so many new memories with the grandkids, that I want to scrap. 

Jen and Lauren have matching bathing suits which they wore at the cottage in northern Michigan. 

The following contain affiliate links. 

I used Echo Park available at Scrapbook.com. 

Lauren also started Kindergarten 

She was so excited and couldn't wait to go back the next day!

Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words! 

What happened to July?

 Have I really not posted since June?? Wow, what happened to summer? 

The grandkids were here the last week of June and we spent the majority of the time at the cottage. Swim, sand, fish, repeat. That pretty much sums up the week:) Being from Phoenix they are used to swimming in a pool but had no problems getting right in the lake. And Miss Lauren is not afraid of worms or fish. She did want to keep the fish in a bucket and she named them:) 

After they left, my husband had his hip replaced. So I have been moving the yard with the push mower and helping with his recovery. He is slowly getting back up to speed but I am still mowing, etc.

I have been getting ready for an art show/sale this weekend. I have about 6 dozen cards as well as other original pieces. It is our town's sidewalk sales so there should be good crowds. Here are three of my cards. 

Here are some of the larger pieces

I hope you have been enjoying the past month. Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words.