that house

Just when I told you I was signing off for the weekend, this book called my name and I had to share it with you. I just picked it up "to read" for the weekend. You do know that I have a secret passion for illustrating homes and for finding perfection in each one. I bought a copy of this book for my "real estate" friend who is always telling me about "this house" and "that house."

If you have a secret obsession for creating a perfect home then you will love this book.

Every house should have a hidden room for reading and laughing out loud. From my perfect home to yours, have a perfect weekend.

blogger busyness

Did you ever take a look around you and notice all the busyness going on. Everywhere I go, I see people connected to some portable device. It seems that if we are not signed on, plugged in or on-line, we truly look as though we are wasting precious time. Our life is not measured by how much time we spend on-line, the number of comments left behind or that our in-box full of e-mails. A rapid fire e-mail reply seems to be expected as though we were machines ourselves. Need a reminder that we are humans.

You have my permission to sign off, disconnect and step away from the light of your screen.

Have a nice long Columbus Day weekend and may each of you enjoy some idle time. Recharge your batteries, sign out, get out and spend time with the humans that you love.

I found this image over here along with a few blog tips. Maintaining a blog takes a great deal of time and reading the many blogs takes even more time. I thank-you for taking time out of your busy day with all that you have to balance, blogging, living and giving.

What is your best blog tip that you would like to share?

{Random Winner of note-book give-away is Gretchen Opgenorth, what a sweet comment she left;

What a beautiful thoughtful post. As a drink my coffee I must ponder it...and try to be a bit more of a "let life happen and take the little ques as to where it is going". I have been a little more this way this week, and I must say have been happier. I wish I wrote things down a bit more, maybe if I won...} Congrats Gretchen.

what you are (notebook give-away)

Have you ever thought that "What you are comes to you."

We spend so much of our life searching for what we are, what we are to become and what we will be that so often what we are just comes naturally.

I enjoy taking time out just to see what comes my way.

As a Mom of seniors, I find comfort in allowing nature to take it's course. It is truly the best way for everyone.

Observing the two of them talking about what is to come, is a beautiful sight.

So very often, I am surprised by what comes to me.

The beauty of another man's artistry inspires me to give gratitude for those that have come before me. Two columns, side-by-side providing support.

On a recent trip to the Cloisters, this "arched twin window" and stunning view came to me.

Literally, my jaw dropped wide open. Luckily, I had my camera.

Are you living a life to be "what you are" or are you living to let "what you are come to you."

Like a child, open your eyes today, wander, step and allow things to come your way.

An imaginary hand shall naturally guide you along the way.

The little notebook and micron pen are my give-away today for one of you.

Perhaps you can record what comes to you and see how it shapes what you are.

modify

new and improved illustration for jmclaughlin - men's store 1008 lexington ave.

Very often, part of my job as an artist is to modify or revise an illustration based on a change of mind or a change of sorts according to a myriad of reasons. Very often my instinct will tell me changes even before they have happened. It is funny when we listen to our intuition, we can tweak things or fine tune them to make improvements.

first illustration for jmclaughlin men's store - 1008 lexington ave.

Can you notice the changes?

three pears and a jar

Artwork SOLD

Three pears and a jar watercolor still life, the original work of art is for sale in my etsy shop.

I love pears and the simplicity they evoke. Artwork will be shipped with a mat, ready to frame.

What simple things do you love today?

race to nowhere

Just back from our local High School after seeing the "Race to Nowhere." I encourage everyone to see this film. This will open your eyes to the stresses placed on our students and families which is in turn showing signs of the health and wellness of our society.

The demands and measurement of achievements have propelled out of control leaving our children stressed out and ill. Endless hours of activities and homework leave little time for unstructured fun. We as parents need to put the fun back in life and stop racing to nowhere.

Let's restore creative learning and teaching, stressing the importance of learning with passion rather than meeting or exceeding standards.

What do you value and how do you share your values and your definition of success with those you love?

happenstance

happenstance, "a blend of happen and circumstance"

one little acorn
looking forlorn
would be happy I think
on my neck to adorn.

thanks for the chance
could be happenstance
if I somehow did win
I would jump and I'd dance!

Brown, pink or white
all would be a delight
but if I have to choose
then the brown couldn't lose!

Love the above happy comment left for me on Saturday by "Terry."

If I could give each of you a little acorn necklace, I surely would....the winner of the acorn necklace is Darby. Congrats Darby.

Janna will send you your prize! (random number #13-winner)

Sunday -snooze button

Here's to hoping that each of you hit the snooze button this Sunday morning.

There is a chill in the air which makes me want to snooze a bit longer!

image Sue Macartney Snape -Book Palace

little acorns (giveaway)

"From Mighty Oaks do little acorns grow."

Thanks to this lovely lady for dropping by with this Fall giveaway.

A charming acorn necklace.

Your choice of stone.

From small beginnings do good things grow.

Tell us which stone you would choose, pearl, mahogany obsidian or the one above.

Leave a little comment to enter.

Winner will be posted on Monday, October 4th.

Thank-you Janna from Jac Jewelry!

pink promise

I made a promise today. A pledge to post pink.

A promise to give, to honor and to help.

One bracelet will be given today.

from

JaC Jewelry

Proceeds benefit Cancer Awareness.

Leave a comment.

One winner will be randomly selected and announced Monday.

Another fabulous item will be posted Saturday from JaC Jewelry.