Never Give Up

Every year as a tradition my husband and I exchange Christmas ornaments that remind us of the current year. This year he bought me this one. It is currently hanging in my gallery right smack in the middle of the wall surrounded by my paintings. This ornament brought tears to my eyes. He is my biggest cheerleader in all that I do. I am so thankful for him and his support.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas Everyone! I will post again soon in a couple of days. In the meantime, I hope you all have a wonderful time celebrating with family and friends.

Stand With Me

This one is called "Stand With Me" an 8x10 acrylic on board. I will be putting some of my smaller originals on my Etsy site soon. Stay tuned....



By the way, check out the site of one of my favorite blogs: beautifulthingstoshare . Charmaine has written a very nice post about me. Thanks Charmaine!

Reach

Here's another 9x12. It's called "Reach" acrylic on board.

Orchard Haze

My paintings are usually large - a 16 x 20 would be considered small for me. However, I've started to appreciate painting small. This is a 9x12 acrylic painting on board.

Invention Wish

I love coffee. I love the idea of it, the smell, taste, color. I just don't like to wear it. How many times have we gone out for coffee and had it dripping down onto our shirts? (usually white) I wish someone would invent a better lid.

Holiday Chandeliers

I love chandeliers! I have 9 chandeliers in my home. I think they add a touch of class to every room. My two daughters even have one in their rooms. I often embellish them with crystals, or other interesting items. They are not forgotten during the holidays either. They are easy to decorate with some crystals, jewelry or other similar wire, and your imagination. Here are a few that I've embellished:

The chandelier over my kitchen island is embellished with some fruit picks from the craft store.

Over my kitchen table is a "winter wonderland" chandelier with some twigs from the yard and "ice crystals"

My dining room chandelier: a simple garland from the craft store wrapped around the arms.

Look at this: red velvet. Over the top and gorgeous! Found at Twigs.

My new favorite afternoon drink

I'm trying not to drink too much coffee, I think I'm developing stomach problems from it! However, I have a need for a warm drink in the afternoon, especially when it is cold out. Here's my rediscovered favorite for the holidays: Celestial Seasonings sugar cookie sleigh ride...yum! A hint of sweet with 0 calories so I can save up for the real stuff.

Invention Wish

My son came home from school the other day with a backpack full of chocolate milk. An opened carton, of course. His library book ruined, pages glued together with the sticky brown syrup. Why was it the new hardbound book instead of a paperback? He lost half his savings paying for the book. The mind of a 7 year old boy, I will never understand.

I'm sure I'm not the only one out there who has experienced this. So, my call out there to any crafty inventor: a backpack with a waterproof compartment.

Twigs Interiors

I get so giddy thinking about Christmas decor! I love visiting my favorite shops to see how they are decorated, and pick up an item or two. One of my favorite shops is Twigs in Centennial Colorado. The "rooms" are beautiful, and their realistic florals are absolutely gorgeous.

Tea at the Brown Palace

A few weeks ago, my mother in law treated my sister in law and me to afternoon tea at the Brown Palace Hotel in Denver, CO. The tea, scones, sandwiches, and chocolate were all delicious. The Devonshire cream...yum!

The Brown Palace, built in 1892, is Denver's second oldest hotel. It's rich history has hosted many presidents, royalty, foreign officials, and celebrities.