Thursday 20 January 2011

catching up

Hi everyone!

Yes, I'm still here but haven't had much time online because I've been busy getting used to my new computer and the windows 7 operating system.  Aaron and Brad also had trouble with their computers so I took on a new title of - computer tech - this past week while I researched and fixed Aaron's computer. I had to format and reinstall the operating system on Brad's computer hoping that would do the trick but, although it's behaving a little better now that it's back to scratch, we think his computer is dying a slow death. Anywhoo, this all meant late nights into the wee hours of morning.

I'm happy to say that I have been squeezing a little artwork here and there.

A sketch for the Flickr 'Julia Kay Portrait Party'
Graphite in Moleskine sketch book
Ref. image - here
NC Mallory photostream - here
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Another page in my art journal
acrylic/mixed media in A4 journal
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And, of course, I've been spending some precious time with Mikayla (my granddaughter) who is growing by the day!  She is really taking note of everything now.
Michelle, Mikayla, Aaron and I dropped over to visit Mum and Dad the other day as they hadn't seen Mikayla, their first great granddaughter, since they visited Michelle in hospital.  They were so happy to see her!
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I also squeezed in my weekly self-portrait....in my PJs with Jack, Aaron's little dog, lying between my feet.
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The massive flood clean-up has been under way over the past week.  The damage is mammoth and they say it will take at least two years for Queensland to get back on her feet. I wish I could physically get in and help but this body of mine is wracked with pain even after 30 minutes of weeding or housework.....my hands and feet suffer daily pain which isn't improving and, if anything, is getting worse.  I would only be in the way at the flood sites....my donation, thoughts and prayers will have to suffice. Our local supermarkets continue to ration staples due to shortage of supplies but, that's okay...there are people so much worse off.  Our southern states also copped the flooding in areas due to the rains.  Thankfully, we've had a break from the rain the past few days although, with temperatures in the 30's C (90's F), it isn't a great relief.  More rain is forecast....let's just hope it's not to the extent we've already had over the past month.
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I'm trying to get around and visit blogs as I can....I have missed my daily interaction with my blogging friends. I hope you're all enjoying a beautiful week!

~ Love, light and peace ~

30 comments:

  1. Oh Serena.....she's beautiful that granddaughter of yours.....And I'm just amazed at the picture you drew....AmAzEd!! I hope that the rains stop over there, how much more do you guys have to endure???

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  2. Serena, I'm so happy to hear that the rains have let up and hope that continues. It sounds like it's been busy and challenging for you...a steep learning curve on the techie front. I know how that feels!

    Mikayla is getting so big! And may I say, your mother is really a stunning beauty...I can see who you take after! She's the "mature woman of grace and beauty" that I've always hoped I could be one day!

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  3. Hi Serena. Good to see you. I'm just getting ready to turn my heater blanket on, take a shower and get in bed to watch American Idol. That sketch looks great. You are a very good artist Serena, much detail. Your pain sounds like a lot of the pain I have as well. My feet, the bottoms have been paining me, what a bummer and my fingers have decided to try and reach the other side of my hand. Ouch that hurts. I hope you feel better and keep on painting. Your journal is looking good. Take care.

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  4. Daer Serena..it is so good to hear that you and your family are okay...your granddaughter is so sweet..isn't is fun to be a nana..my lil bug is 8 months now and she is crawling around like a little tractor...take care.. xxxxx

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  5. Hi Serena, your little Mikayla is growing so fast and is just beautiful. I imagine she brings great joy in the midst of all the chaos. Computer problems -- understand completely. My home computer never did regain consciousness and I haven't been able to use my scanner printer since the summer. :/ Wishing you a bright and beautiful day. Blessings, Tammy

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  6. oh what a perfect, perfect little angel.. I love her looking into her great grandfathers eyes.. generation meeting generation. lovely.

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  7. Sounds like you know a lot more about computers than I do! I hope they stay up and running and you get used to your new system.

    Lovely sketch and journal entry. I guess I didn't realize Aaron has a little dog, too. Great picture of your folks and Mikayla--and she looks so totally relaxed in the picture where she is sleeping. What a darling baby!! :)

    I can believe it will take a couple of years for the clean-up and recovery. Some places may take longer. It is a huge job. Don't worry about not being of physical help. Sometimes we just can't possibly do those physical tasks anymore and it is beyond our control. Keep sending prayers and good energy. Take care of yourself. I'm glad your kids are helping out where they can, too. It will get better. :):) You are all in my thoughts and prayers. *hugs*

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  8. Love the photos Serena, especially the baby and puppy! I have been super busy too and still tired from the holidays so I haven't done as much art work as I wanted to. Let's hope it gets easier as the days inch forward! Take care and have a really happy day!
    Tina xo

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  9. It's just terrible for what Queensland is experiencing with the recent flooding...I can relate to flooding, but nothing to compare to the ravaging in your part of the world. Good to see that you are enjoying your art...the sketch is wonderful and Mikayla is such a beautiful addition to your family...I can tell how much all of you adore her. Sorry that the pain interferes with your active life. Best wishes for a wonderful day...Shelly

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  10. Love hearing about all of your goings on--your grandaughter is beautiful and that sketch!! excellent. I'll cross my fingers for you--no more rain......at least for a while

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  11. Hi Dear Serena,

    It is so nice to see you blogging again. I have missed you! So sorry to hear that you still have aches and pains. I will pray that you get better soon. :)
    Thank God the rains have stopped even though you say there might be more rain in sight. I just hope it is a quick shower or two and then leaves.
    OHHHHHHHHH, little Mikayla is gorgeous! She is getting really big. God bless her. Your Mom is a beautiful lady and always looks very happy.

    Sending healing hugs your way!

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  12. dear beautiful, so sad to see the floods. keep safe, as you are a treasure in the blogosphere

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  13. That sketch is amazing!!! And your granddaughter is such a little cutie. She is so lucky to have such a loving family surrounding her.

    I hope you get some sunny, dry weather soon. I'm sure you've had enough of the wet stuff to last you a long time.

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  14. What a stinking mess for those poor folks to have to clean up and carry on from.......it'd be absolutely heart breaking I'm sure...

    sometimes we feel a bit hard done by with months of snow and cold... but, when others have this to deal with.... hey... no big deal. We even ave a lot of sun in our winters in this area of Canada.. 800 km away...my sister gets hardly any sun from October til March.... I love where I live.

    What a great sketch...

    It's weird what things your poor body is going through...it seems it moves around...but, I wish it would all just move along...right out of your body...

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  15. Hi Serena, glad to hear that you guys are safe up there!!! I LOVE your sketch! It is amazing!!!! And Mikayla is beautiful!!!! :0)

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  16. Have I ever told you how much I love your art journal? Well, I do.

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  17. Nice catching up with you. Terrific portrait... Enjoyed seeing the photos of the baby!

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  18. Oh my Serena that portrait just flaws me, it is so good! I like your journal page, your handwriting is so neat and artistic. And your grand daughter, well she is just getting more gorgeous. I just love watching them sleep, they are so innocent looking. I hope you find relief for your pain on a more consistent basis soon.
    Lee:)

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  19. love, light and peace to you too.

    and healing...for you, for queensland...

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  20. You art work is wonderful! What a talent! I am not good with drawing faces, so I admire the hard work!
    The baby is also a work of art!!!! So adorable, I wish I could squeeze her a little bit! Babies smell so good!

    Hope you will feel better or at least good enough to do more art and enjoy your family.
    Take care dear!

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  21. Great drawing! That picture makes me want to cuddle a baby! I hope the rain stops there too! It looks so awful!

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  22. Thinking of you. Glad you are Ok after all the floods. Mikayla is a beauty. Sweet love.
    As always I admire your art and talent so much!
    xx

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  23. Love your Self Portrait!
    Such a cute adorable baby there looks so peaceful too.
    Glad to hear that the rains had stopped and hopefully things will start to get better for all over there.
    Sorry to of hear your body is being wacked with pain I too also endure pain after gardening which I been doing too much of lately, also have same problem with mopping the floors.

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  24. Wow Serena! Your art is just gorgeous! I am so glad I found your blog..just looking around and following links. Sorry you are having to watch so much suffering in your community. I am putting you on my Blog roll...

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  25. It;s been so long since I've had the time to blog, and every time I pop in something monumental has happened!

    I'm very glad you're getting through this flood crisis. I wish you strength and resourcefulness.

    Mikayla is GORGEOUS!! Bless her and all of you! :)

    Your artwork as usual is stunning!

    Hugs!

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  26. Serena take care of that back. Sounds like your back is the culprit in causing pain in your body. It does sound as though you are going through what I went through a few years ago. Hope you have seen someone who has given you the proper advice and to do the right excercises.
    Your grand daughter is such a darling. So glad that the floods are receding and hope the rain that is on the way is not as bad as you have had it earlier.

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  27. Serena,

    I love all of the photos! Your drawing and journal page are just stunning. I wish I had a smidge of that talent! And your granddaughter....to die for!!

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  28. Oh my Serena! That sketch is amazing! You are a true artist!
    Love the pics of Mikayla too, what a doll!!!

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  29. Hi again Serena. Hope all is well. Thanks for stopping by today. I roll my yarn into balls because it is so much easier to crochet with. It just unrolls as you crochet along. Sometimes when I leave it as is, knots come up that cannot be undone and that is very aggravating. Take care and best wishes, Tammy

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  30. Wow...your just amaze me with your sketching. You are crazy talented!

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