Auction Win

I bid on this journal at auction this weekend and won the bid. I love it! Front and back covers made of copper with enamel fish on front. Parchment paper pages inside. 5" x 6"

Early This Afternoon

Oops

I was wrong.  I took this photo this early evening.  I know there were 3 eggs to start with.  Apparently the photo I took yesterday was these 2 bundled together and the third egg was hidden under them.  I thought it was 3 babies.  Not the case.  This photo clearly shows the 2 making progress ~ you can see their little beaks.  I fear the 3rd egg isn't going to hatch.

Late Sun

Late sun shining on our woods.  SO pretty.

Jake

We are working in the garage ~ Jake is the smart one ~ sleeping, with a very slight breeze blowing over him from the fan.

Lexington

Lunch at The Palms in Lexington, VA  ~  Chicken Spring Rolls. YUM!

Patty and Jim, we must eat here on our next trip to Lexington.

And we have three babies today!

Chicken Head Morgan

I didn't think I could laugh any more tonight, Phillip Morgan!! But you HAD to do the chicken head, didn't you?

2nd Egg Has Hatched

Gifts

 I have the BEST facebook friends.  Received a box yesterday and it was full of love!! It came from Constanza Berger Silva, a dear friend for many years now. She sent me works of art that she created ~ stitchings and drawings, an adorable tiny crystal bible, and more.

My heart is full of joy. I love the gifts I receive from friends, but the true joy is the love shared through friendship.

Thank you, my dear friend, Constanza. Please know I will cherish these gifts.

♥

Birth

Baby Mockingbird in my front yard bush!

Beauty at the Fresh Market

Mandevilla!

Hibiscus!

Fun Day

Had a great day with friend Mariette Hebert who is here visiting her son and his family all the way from Vancouver, BC, Canada. We had a good lunch at Nawab Indian Cuisine, visited some shops in downtown Roanoke, and Fresh Market. Lots of art talk with hopes to do a lot of future creating. Wishing she lived closer ~ easy and fun to spend time with this artist friend!

♥

Pottery

My friend, Anne, has made a lot of pottery over the years.  This weekend, she had a porch sale with many pieces of her pottery. Today I stopped by and couldn't help but buy a few pieces.  Beautiful pottery at great prices! Anne has a wonderful large open front porch with a cross-breeze that makes you want to sit there all day.  I promised one day soon to go over and do just that ~ sit, chat, and enjoy the breeze.

Hydrangeas

 Passed these hydrangea bushes this afternoon on Brandon.  I had to get out of the car to take photos. SO full and beautiful!  And the color ~ WOW!!

Fawn

Received this print yesterday of FAWN, by my friend and high school classmate Jeanne Franz Stanford. The original is done with colored pencils. Jeanne drew this fawn from a photo she took in her yard.  She is very talented and I am loving this print!!

A Sunset WOW

Sunset from my front yard just minutes ago!!

Score!

Estate sale score today.  

Vintage Napcoware - Japan.  She's a beauty!

Weeds

Qeen Anne's Lace

Weeds can be beautiful, too.

Fajitas

Chicken Fajitas on the patio at Abuelo's tonight.  SO good.

I was excited to go to Barnes & Noble after dinner (haven't been there in over a month). Very disappointed to find the doors locked. They changed their hours to close at 9 instead of 10. Sad. This tells me business is not good.

Hydrangeas

 My friend Mary Bullington's gorgeous hydrangea bush!  I love that it has so many different colors of flowers.  Perfect for the home of an artist who wows us with color!

Joy

Amid the bumps in the road of life ~ there are little gifts, little pick-me-ups, surprises that make your heart swell with happiness, that bring tears of joy to your eyes.

You did that for me yesterday, Jan!! Just your sweet letter was enough to bring me happiness, but your little works of art sent me over the top. I adore the rock Madonna piece. It is beautiful and I thank you sincerely for thinking of me when you found the rock along your river beach. Your stitching enhancement is stunning!

Please know how happy you made this old soul.

♥

Magical

 Last evening was a bit magical.  I left the house and this beauty was right next to the road as I passed by.

 Then, I was admiring this beautiful giant Magnolia at Mamma Maria's Restaurant.  Next thing I knew, Domenic Marletta (the owner) was putting the flower in my hand and snapping a photo!

An amazing flower with a divine scent!!

Book Arrival

My latest book order has arrived:

Artemis ~ cover by dear friend, Tricia Scott.

Legend of the Last Dog ~ by friend, John Preston Smith.

Chicago ~ by friend, Andrew Call.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Patrick!!

How I wish I could give you a big birthday hug.  Since that's not possible, I will imagine you celebrating on Heaven's Golf Course!  I love and miss you every day!

♥

Roanoke River

Coming home from Vendor Night this evening.  I love driving by the Roanoke River.  SO pretty this time of year ~ this time of night.

Beautiful Bright Pink Oleander!

Blooming Cactus

As promised, Jeanne Stanford, here are the flowers that opened on the cactus.  Feel free to paint.  Would love to see the painting when you finish.