Iris in the Desert

This is painted with my new Daniel Smith Paints. Love them!

Exploring Las Vegas

DH and I are starting to explore Las Vegas on the weekend. Yesterday we found an outlet mall and I had flowers put on my fingernails and bought a pair of Crocs Mary Janes. Love my Mary Janes! Annie had a pair when she was here last weekend and I thought they were so cute and so comfortable! We had a great time even though it was 107 degrees. We are very careful about using sunscreen! It the midwesterners that get the sunburn out here. The locals know better.

Loose House not Loose Woman

I found a watercolor at the thrift store and I loved the loosness of it. So I tried it. This is the first painting I have done from my own sketch. Who knew she could sketch? I don't like the big brown blobs on the trees on the left so I will attempt to fix that.

Painting Southwestern

I do know that this is really messy but I'm going for loose and Southwestern. I learned alot on this painting that I started in Indiana and finished in Las Vegas. Maybe it is representitive of my emotions?

Spring Oak from my Childhood

This is the Oak tree in front of Smithville Elemetary School where I went to 1st grade. I am painting again and I feel like a brand new beginner all over again. It feels wonderful to splash on paint!

My Backyard

These are some of the plants in my backyard. The Gardenia is a gift from my friend Susan. I sit beside it to read and the fragrance is wonderful.

Meeting New Friends

On Tuesday I went to lunch with Susan, friend of my brother John. We went to The Cheescake Factory (No, I didn't eat Cheesecake) and had a really nice time. Susan brought me a beautiful GARDINIA PLANT for a housewarming gift. I love it! It hasn't bloomed yet but when it does, ahhhh the scent. She told me about The Golden Spoon, a frozen yogurt place that has the best non-fat yogurt! I found one right down the street from me. She was right, yummy!

Yesterday, I met some neighbors. They were on their way to California for the weekend. We had a few minutes to talk and they seemed very nice. Then I went to my first Kiwanis meeting here in Las Vegas. It was very different than my meeting in Carmel. The membership was all men, the meeting lasted for two hours and the lunch was $15.00!

I did not get any unpacking done but I needed the break! BACK TO it today.

Red Rock Canyon and Apricot Tree

Below are the pictures from our adventure yesterday. We went to beautiful Red Rock Canyon and took the tour. The desert is in bloom and the cacti are about to bloom. The desert changes often so we will go back really soon.

The apricot tree is in my front yard. I was getting in the car and looked over to see "apricots" growing on my tree. I am so excited!

It's saturday, Yea!

Yesterday, Jim and I went to the BMV (for 2 hours) and got our new Nevada license plates and drivers license. Then we went to the bank and got that all set up. This morning I am working on my computer. My address has to be changed on everything! My email address is different so I have to change that. I am still receiving email on my old address but I can't send on it. NOthing is simple!

When we were heading out yesterday, I realized that I have a apricot tree in my front/side yard. It is loaded with nearly ripe fruit. That is exciting! I haven't had a fruit tree since I was a child. Get the jelly jars ready!

Sunshine, on my shoulder, makes me happy

In my backyard, I have plants that I have yet to identify. Mollie and Maggie are very happy in their new home, as am I. The pool is almost ready to use. We had to turn on the solar heaters and get the PH to the right level. The second moving truck is supposed to arrive today. We will see.

Flowers, ideas, palm tree, grape vine.

Oh My! I have a grape vine! I have no idea what kind of grapes are on it but I do know that they are edible. The flowers are a gift from my wonderful realtors Rosie and Curt. The palm tree is mine and the froggie at the base is for Mollie to bark at. The fabric is the piece that I found at the thrift store for my valances.

Moving

Moving Day and sunrise this morning

New Home, New Life

I have moved into my new home in beautiful Las Vegas! I was sick for awhile after I arrived with a gall stone and the flu. Now I'm better and excited to start my new life again. Yesterday was the first time I drove in Vegas and what an Experience. I had a doctors appointment with an internal medicine doc. I drove all the way from one mountain to the opposite mountain before discovering that the address on the hospital referral paperwork was two years old and the doc had moved. Needless to say, I missed my appointment. The rules for driving in Vegas are "There are no rules". A green lights means don't go until everyone going in the opposite direction has a chance to continue running the red light. This is the only city I know that loves U-Turns. My GPS understands this even if I don't.

I have done a great deal of the inside unpacking and my house is beginning to look "homey'. Yesterday I found several thrift stores in my travels. I bought a french press coffee pot, some bowls that match my set and a piece of fabric to make valances for my great room windows. It has the exact right colors for the room, sage, cinnamon, desert gold, wheatgrass. 4 1/2 yards for $10, wahoo! Did I tell you that my coffee pot and all my dishes are on a missing moving van? Well, actually not missing. It will be here Thursday.

Now I know what it feels like to be lonesome. Jim comes here tonight for the weekend and then comes back in 1 ½ weeks for the move. I am almost ready for the movers. There still some throw away stuff that I have to carry up from the basement. I have been doing a little each day. Those stairs are a killer. I also have been painting. Not pictures but a kitchen island. I had it up in my sewing room and I’m taking it to Vegas for my new kitchen. I have limited counter space and the island will work well for storage and counter space. When I get out there I will order a Corian top to match the existing counters. I am painting the wood Red! It’s called sun-dried Tomato and looks very Southwestern. The whole house is beige and you know I can’t live a color-less life. My accent colors will be red, gold and green.

My friends have been taking good care of me. I’ve had lots of Breakfasts and lunches out and help with getting ready to get stuff to Goodwill. My sister Barbara is moving to Colorado where her daughter and family live. We are sort of helping each other. The other sister, Pat, is coming to Indiana on Sunday to stay at Barbara’s and help her. Having friends and sisters is great, but, I miss my husband. The move is coming up soon and we will be back together again.

The more stressed I get, the more stressed my little doggies get. They have been chewing up anything that I leave low and jump up to get anything I leave high. They seem to know that a change is coming. Maybe it’s the missing furniture. We filled the garage with furniture for Goodwill and the house looks somewhat bare. Mollie and Maggie know!

A Day of Rest

Oh, I'm achy today. I took a loan of "stuff" to Goodwill, carried another load downstairs from the sewing room and took a load for Barbara. Today I rest to contemplate the presence of "angels". I see them everywhere and I am grateful for them.
*JoAnn and her friend, from Las Vegas, whom I met in the car dealershp waiting room. We went to breakfast using the shuttle and had a great time. When we got back, our cars were fixed. They helped me get really excited about the move.
* My dogs, Mollie and Maggie, who brought me a stick and reminded me that masking fluid can be applied with a twig.
*My friends Craig and Nancy, who call and take me out to breakfast, just when I need a friend.

Little Errands, All in a Row

Whew, I am making my lists and checking them twice. Yesterday I got my new glasses and went to the dentist. My teeth are sparkly clean and I can see. I recently got new glasses and I could not see out of them clearly. The reason was that they did not have a big enough frame to get the near, mid and far range into the lense. So, I had to go back to a larger frame. So much for styling. I still have to go to the BMV and get my registration renewed on my van. I expire on April 15 and move on April 21. So, they are going to give me a temp registration to get me there so I can register in NV.

23 days until I move to Vegas! Now I'm getting excited! DH is coming home next Friday so that will make the wait easier. I still have a lot of cleaning to do so my days are busy. Today my realtor is taking me out to lunch. That will be a nice break.

My 63rd Birthday

Two of my sisters (Barbara and Patricia) took me to a wonderful Italian restaurant for my birthday. That's me in the middle. We had a great time. We ate too much and forgave ourselves almost instantly. DH is in Las Vegas at his new job and I will be joining him soon. My sisters made this a memorable birthday. Thank you Pat and Barbara!

Be Creative in All that You Do

I woke up this morning feeling like I was at a standstill with my creativity. In the last six months my DH lost his job, my mom had a stroke, My sister broke her leg, My DH found a job, we sold the house in Indiana and bought a house in Las Vegas. No wonder my muse left the building screaming and frantically running for cover! No that it has all settled down, I sit here and wait to move. I have learned that I AM the master of my thoughts. If I say positive things to myself, I feel okay. Today I will make the most of this day.

Groundhog day

Today they come and do the house inspection in IN house and do the appraisal. After that, it's wait until April 21 to close on the house and move. I'm having a lot of days that are the same as the last. I miss DH, I'm mourning the loss of my home and friends in IN and I'm excited about the new home in Las Vegas. I took Maggie and Mollie to the groomers this morning and I have to be out of the house for 3 hours so that they can inspect and appraise. I've tried to paint but I am not doing very well. My state of mind has something to do with it. The interest rate dropped over the weekend just in time for the new house loan. Yea! DH is coming home this Thursday for Easter and that will make it better. Michele and Todd and children are also coming and I can cook for and hug my family. That makes me happy.

Viva Las Vegas

In the last week, we have sold our home in Indiana and bought a house in Las Vegas, NV. We will be living in Summerlin, a planned community SW of Las Vegas. I am so glad to be not showing the house anymore. One week was enough for me. Now I sort, clean and get ready for the movers. I have burned up two shop vacs and I'm working on the third. I have been painting a little but I'm not pleased with what I'm doing. Maybe the stress is effecting me. DH is already in NV and I miss him terribly. Spring has been trying to arrive her in IN and my spring headache has arrived along with it. I should be moving into my new home by May 1st. Yea!

My First Portriat

I participated in a challange on WCW and attempted a portriat. This is Kathy, a fellow watercolorist. By the way, She looks nothing like this! She's much prettier! This was a good challange for me and I will keep trying.

Country Church

This painting is from a photo by Doris Glovier. Thanks Doris. It reminds me to look up when I need help. I'm looking up but being impatient. I love to paint churches and Barns.

Bell Tower in Amish Country

I took a photo of this bell tower while on an "adventure" with my sister Pat to Amish Country. It was a memory making day. We had such fun. I bought all my baking supplies and spices at the General Store in bulk. My Christmas cookies this year were especially good, even if I do say so myself..lol. We went to several thrift stores and found really nice bargains. A memorable day!

Rural Wonder

I am finally painting again. When I am creating. I am happy. My sister broke her leg and is staying with me. She is the world's greatest patient. Needless to say. I haven't painted much. Now that she has become more mobile, I am painting alot. More painting to come.

Nathan and Lina's Tiger Lily

Thanks so much to Lina and Nathan for having us all to your home for Christmas. The company was wonderful, the food was exceptional and G'Pa and G'Ma love our gifts. I'm so happy you like your painting. Lina, let's make a date to paint together? G'ma

John's Snowy Tree

Merry Christmas to My Son John. I'm so glad that you joined us for our Christmas at Lina's. It would not have been so wonderful for me without you. I love you so much! Mom

Michele's and Todd's Snowdrops

Merry Christmas to Michele and Todd. I am so glad you like your painting and I appreciate your kind words about my painting. It has been one year since I started painting and it is such a big important part of my life. Mom

Tomorrow we head for Ohio

Today, I am cleaning up my mess and packing our bags. We are heading for Ohio to have Christmas with Lina and Nathan, John, Michele, Todd, Aaron and Lexie. I'm taking Cookies, Cranberry Relish, Pies amd Chex Mix. Yum. I am so looking forward to this! I'm like a little kid at Christmas, Oh, it is Christmas. Ok, like a little kid. When I return, I will paint and post my Christmas paintings.

John's Snowy Cabin

My wonderful big brother John, was in charge of renovation of this cabin for his Exchange Club. They did a wonderful job. I painted this for him just because I love him so much and he loves me too.

Baking Cookies and Painting(pictures not the cookies)

I have been painting but they are for gifts so I can't show them until after Christmas. I have been baking cookies everyday. I tried to reorganize my studio yesterday but I was in there for 5 minutes and sat down to paint the latest idea. I couldn't stop myself. All those colors and all that paper call my name. I have been saying my whole life, "I wish I could paint that". Now I can paint whatever I want. Sometimes it's really bad but it's a learning experience and just paper. I'm going to a one day workshop in January in Ohio with my sister. I am so excited! I'm sure I will learn new techniques.

Painting withdrawal

I have been in Ohio for a week to visit with my sister. We played so hard that we didn't stop to paint. Now I have laundry to do and groceries to buy so it might not happen today. Tomorrow for sure. I will get my 10 minutes of drawing into my Moleskin.

Grapes and Wine

I saw a friend paint grapes at my workshop and I wanted to try it. I learned a lot about what not to do so I will try again.

Mason Jar

My friend Nancy had a birthday, "Happy Birthday" Nancy, and I painted this for her because her name is Mason and she collects Mason Jars.

Magnola

I painted this to practice my shadows.

Scottsdale Sunset

This is a photo that I snapped in Scottsdale. My Step-daughter got married and it was beautiful! Now I want to paint it.

Peaches

Anyone hungry? It's Peach time! I did this for a Yahoo group in a day. It was a fun exercise for a artist who hasn't painted anything she has like in awhile.

Barn from workshop

This is the barn I started at the workshop and finished at home. I really didn't like it. I had the doors lighter so that you could see into the barn and it was too busy. I darkened the doors, darken the sky, added ore shadow and voila! Now I like it for where I am in my painting. I learned a lot with this one. DH helped me learn that all lines should be vertical even when the horizontal is not horizontal.

Finished Poppies

On this painting, I decided to tip the picture in the frame. I lifted paint out to make more light and darkened the greens.

Wagon Wheel

I love barns! On this painting I was practicing old wood. It's about 6" x 8".

Calla Lilly

This is the painting that I did at the Robert and Sharon Long Workshop. I loved the workshop and I loved the Long's. They were warm and generous. Our group put out some masterpieces. I thought that I would be the "baby" of the group since I have ony been painting seven months but I wasn't. I learned so much about mixing colors, glazing, shadows/light, and confidence/competence.

Red Poppy

This is a work in progress. I will update it after I go to the Watercolor Workshop.

My Sister's House

I painted my sister Barbara's house for her birthday. I am so glad she liked it! Her house has beautiful new grey siding and I struggled getting the right essence of grey. Oh well, she liked it and that feels good.

Sunflower

Here is my sunflower. I struggled with it. Getting the light right was difficult if not impossible.

Fall Leaves Watercolor

I painted all day today and loved it! I wanted to use several different techniques I have learned. I masked with contact paper and I put WC in a spray bottle and I misted it on. Some of my leaves are abstract and some of them are realistic. I don't like my stems but I will go back and fix them.

Worship in the Blue Hour

Totally painting using Ultramarine Blue and Burnt Sienna. I like the coolness of this painting.

I Love Autumn

I have working on this for weeks. I'd better put it away for awhile before (maybe too late) I overwork it. Autumn is my favorite time of year. I also love barns and churches. For years I have been saying that I wish I could paint that and now I am. Getting better every year! Me and my Watercolor!

House and Barn

This was fun. After it was done, I wanted to paint it over. Maybe I will! I am going to a Robert and Sharon Long Workshop the week after next. I am so excited! I moved my painting spot again today to get better light. DH put up a gate to keep the dogs out of the room. He's so sweet.

Watermelon

A summertime treat just begs to be painted. I did this in my watercolor practice journal