Last post for 2011!

New Year's Eve has ARRIVED!!! What are your plans? New Year's Eve has always been a big deal in my family. We used to have HUGE family parties at my parents' place until they moved. It will be just me, Brad, Aaron and Beau this New Year's Eve and we will be enjoying a movie marathon...and maybe play some board games too as we wait to bring in 2012 at midnight! I'm EXCITED!!

As promised, here are some photos from Burgess Park, our favourite picnic spot in the country. It's about a 1 hour and 10 minute drive from home.


It's so, so peaceful here and I always feel better after visiting this beautiful spot.

We parked near the Queensland Bottle tree which is one of my favourite tree species.  We laid out and relaxed on the picnic rugs and just breathed in that fresh country air. Blissful! Beau brought along his pastel paper and coloured pencils and started a new art piece. I even managed a sketch which I'll post tomorrow.

The bridge right beside Burgess Park. It spans Christmas Creek.

There is a path down to the creek so Beau and Aaron went for a swim. The water level had dropped significantly since the last time we were there so I guess it was more wading than swimming. Last time, the water level was quite high due to all the rain we'd had.

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It's already New Year's Eve here and I haven't yet decided on my word for 2012. Have you?

I want to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy and Safe New Year! Thank you all so much for your amazing support throughout 2010...DUH!....I mean 2011! 

You guys are THE BEST!!!

~ Love, light and peace ~

Mikayla's finished Christmas ornament

Hi everyone!

Well, Christmas is over for another year. I had a lovely time on Christmas day. We had a bit of a movie marathon, pigged out on nibblies, and then ate a delicious roast dinner. We were so full, there was no room in our tummies for dessert so, we will be having the Christmas pudding with custard for New Year's Eve instead.

Just thought I'd show you all the finished ornament I painted for Mikayla, my beautiful granddaughter.

I glued Christmas-themed craft paper onto a Papier-mâché box and used double-sided tape to attach the ribbons halfway up each side of the box.

It's a wrap!

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I've had more bad days health-wise lately so, yesterday, when Beau offered to drive us out to our favourite picnic spot in the country, how could I say no?  The weather was perfect and it was so peaceful and relaxing...just what I needed. I had told everyone to lather up with sunscreen before we left the house to go to Burgess Park but I ended up being the silly one who forgot so I copped a good dose of sunburn.  It didn't spoil the day though.

I'll post pics from our day trip tomorrow.

~ Love, light and peace ~

Merry Christmas to all!

It's been a busy week catching up with some last minute Christmas shopping. I'm all done now. YES! 

I put the finishing touches on Mikayla's Christmas ornament and just have to attach the ribbon now.  I'll try to get pics of the end result to show you.

Number 3 son, Reece, and his girlfriend, Sarina, are currently on holiday in Manila, Philippines after spending a week at the beautiful island of Boracay, also in the Philippines. They are taking the opportunity to visit with some of Sarina's relatives whilst there too. It's great because Reece is able to keep in regular touch by email...don't ya just LOVE the internet?! They seem to be enjoying themselves and, after Manila, they will spend some time in Bangkok and Singapore before heading home for January 7th. Unfortunately, it will be the first time he won't be with us for Christmas which is sad but okay. We at least have the internet so will no doubt be in touch on Christmas Day...maybe even Skype if I can get the darned thing set up.

I may or may not be back to post again before Christmas day but, just in case, no matter what your plans are for the Christmas holiday season, I wish you all peace, joy, happiness, good health and lots of laughter. xo

~ Love, light and peace ~

Birthdays and a Santa ornament

Hi everyone,

I'm sorry I've been absent from Blogland lately.  I've had quite a few ups and downs with my medical ailments and, at this stage, no end in sight.  My blog also had it's 5th blog anniversary on December 15th but my plans to do something special failed due to my health issues.

Aaron also graduated from Primary school and will start High School in the new year. He will officially become a teenager on December 23rd...yep...the big 13!!! Mikayla turned ONE on the 10th!!  Michelle arranged a fabulous rainbow-themed party for Mikayla and we all had a fantastic time!!  Mikayla loved all her presents and lapped up all the attention.

Isn't she adorable?!!

I decided to make a start on Mikayla's 2nd Christmas ornament today.  Last year, Mikayla was only a couple of weeks old on Christmas day....my, how the time has flown.

First, a quick sketch using chalk pencil.

Next, the first layer of acrylic paint.

Then, another layer with more details....almost finished here.

Just a little more to do and then I will spruce up the rest of the ornament.

This is the ornament I painted for Mikayla's 1st Christmas last year.

I haven't done much in the way of sketching lately. I've been feeling quite down but hope to drag myself out of the doldrums soon.

For now, I have a lot of catching up to do.....

~ Love, light and peace ~

A mug I covet...

I didn't get a chance to post yesterday.  Bad pain day unfortunately. I'm off to see my regular doctor again this morning as my gynaecologist is away on holidays for nearly 8 weeks! 

Anywhoo, I did this mug sketch a couple of days ago and I still haven't done any journaling on the page....maybe today.

Pencil-free sketch using Pigma Micron & ZIG Millenium pens, Derwent Inktense water soluble pencils and Mungyo watercolour crayons in A5 sketchbook.

I love this mug but it doesn't belong to me. I just covet it from the sidelines. It actually belongs to my daughter, Michelle....a gift from her sister-in-law.  I am drawn to its colour and detail every time I see it and maybe one day I'll be lucky enough to find one very similar.


Here are some of the different process stages -

I participate in the Creative Every Day group where we check-in once a week.
to view the creative posts of other CED members
click here.

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Mikayla's (granddaughter) first birthday is this Saturday and we're all looking forward to celebrating her big day with her. I'm just praying I don't end up in hospital before then. It's hard to believe a year has nearly passed since she made her grand entrance to the world. I had the honour of being a witness to her birth and the experience is something I will treasure always.

~ Love, light and peace ~

My prize has arrived!!!

As you know, last month I participated in the Art Every Day Month challenge. I met some wonderful artists and I even had the opportunity to enter a giveaway held by one of the AEDM members - Tracey Fletcher King. 

I WON!!!!

And yesterday, my prize arrived....

Thank you so much, Tracey!!

I received a beautiful card featuring a print, plus a ring and pendant, also featuring Tracey's amazing art!  I couldn't be happier!

Am I a lucky girl, or what???!!!


You can visit Tracey's blog HERE.

Her painting subjects vary and include exquisite teapots and teacups and gorgeous flowers.
 Well worth a look-see.

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In other news, I did manage a sketch today which I will post tomorrow so stay tuned, my friends.

~ Love, light and peace ~

Summer has arrived!!!

Today was the official start to our Aussie summer. Thankfully it wasn't a scorcher and we were even blessed with a little rain.

Bradley and Reece had a blast at Elton John's concert last night! Reece even managed to get a couple of Brad's CDs signed by Elton so that was a real highlight. Brad's voice was a little scratchy today which is fully understandable after all the screaming out and singing along he did at the concert. He also got to meet an internet friend, Darren. They met via the Elton John Fan Club site and they have been email buddies for a while now. Darren was also sitting in the front row at the concert and they finally had the chance to meet face-to-face....SO cool!

It felt strange not having to sketch for AEDM today, however, I did create a mosaic highlighting some of the sketches I did for November.

I meditated for 15 minutes today and hope to make it a daily practise. It's been way too long and I have missed it. Rita has taken on a 21 day meditation challenge so, while I haven't registered officially, I will be participating unofficially on the sidelines.

I'm feeling so tired at the moment after only getting 3½ hours of sleep last night. The boys didn't get home from the concert until close to midnight and I had waited up to hear all about it. By the time I got to bed, it was around 12:30 and then I was up again at 4AM to get Reece organised for work. I'm looking forward to jumping into my cosy bed tonight.

~ Love, light and peace ~

Day 30 - AEDM & Nablopomo - Mexican bull & Elton John

The final day in the challenge has arrived!

YAY!!!!

I experienced yet another day of not feeling well but I managed to muddle through.

Today's sketch was of my Mexican Bull ornament. I bought it some years ago at a cheap Dollar Store and it's still a favourite of mine. I think it has character.  It wasn't labelled as Mexican but that's just the feel I get from it, plus the fact that it is on display in my kitchen beside a bottle of tequila.

Pencil-free sketch using Pigma Micron pens and Derwent Inktense pencils in A5 sketchbook.

to view the creative posts of other AEDM members for Day 30
click here.

I will probably post again tomorrow just to be on the safe side for Nablopomo being that it's based in a different time zone. Then I will have a day off! I'm quite proud of myself for posting each day in November.

I hope you have all enjoyed visiting my blog this past month.

To my fellow AEDM'ers - as you won't see a daily link on the AEDM site any more, you may like to Follow me so that you can stay up-to-date with my weekly or daily happenings. I'm so happy I participated in the AEDM challenge because it encouraged me to get back to regular sketching and I have also met some wonderful people whom I will continue to visit. I plan to link weekly to the Creative Every Day group so I'll still be around to some degree at Leah's site.

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Tonight, Aaron (my 12 year old son) and I are home alone for the evening as Beau (#2 son) is working very late and two of my other sons, Brad and Reece, have gone to see Elton John in concert.  You may remember me posting this sketch back in May to acknowledge Brad's big win of FRONT ROW tickets!

pencil-free sketch using pigma micron pens in large moleskine sketchbook

Here is a photo I snapped of Brad (on viewer's left) and Reece prior to them heading off for the concert late this afternoon. EXCITEMENT RULED!!!

~ Love, light and peace ~

Day 29 - AEDM & Nablopomo - Bird of Paradise

I've not been well at all today and I think it shows in my sketch below as, by late afternoon, I found it very hard to concentrate.

Earlier in the day, I painted these words on MDF board which I had previously painted white. It's going to be a backing board for a piece of art my 24 year old son recently completed as a gift for a friend.  Beau asked me to paint the words because he felt I'd be more steady-handed than him.

My sketch in three stages

Pencil-free sketch using Pigma Micron pens, Derwent Inktense water-soluble pencils and Uniball Signo white pen in my Moleskine pocket watercolour sketchbook.

to view the creative posts of other AEDM members for Day 29
click here.

WOW....one day left in the monthly challenge!!

~ Love, light and peace ~

Day 28 - AEDM & Nablopomo - Tea for One

Hi everyone,

I really didn't think I was going to manage my sketch today as I had a doctor's appointment this morning and then Michelle (daughter) and Mikayla (granddaughter) called in for a visit. It was so lovely to spend time with them. You must get sick of me saying this but I love my little granddaughter SO much! Her smile is infectious.

As for the doctor's appointment, I don't need a back scan as he feels this particular back pain is associated with my gynaecological issues. It looks like a hysterectomy will definitely be on the cards. :(

Before I knew it, late afternoon had arrived and I needed to start the curry for dinner. I don't know how I did it but I actually managed to squeeze in some time for a very quick sketch.

The subject for my sketch was a little 'Tea for One' set. The top half is a little teapot and the bottom half is the teacup hence the two handles. I've always thought these sets to be really cute.

Pencil-free sketch using Pigma Micron pens and Derwent Inktense water-soluble pencils in Moleskine pocket watercolour sketchbook.

to view the creative posts of other AEDM members for Day 28
click here.

TWO days left in the monthly challenge!
 I'm excited!!!
It's been fun AND challenging at times.

~ Love, light and peace ~

Day 27 - AEDM & Nablopomo - Chinese garden lantern

Hi everyone!

WOW! Day 27 which means only THREE more days to go! The month has gone by very fast, ailments and all.

My lower back pain was even worse today. It only allowed me short periods of time at the computer or sitting in general. I will most likely be getting a back scan some time this week.

Anywhoo, today, I decided to sketch a Chinese Garden Lantern which was prompted by the fact that I bought a new shrub for our back corner garden. I went for an Orange Jessamine shrub which is very similar to Jasmine with its little white flowers. We have these shrubs in the front garden bed and, when they are in bloom, the fragrance wafts in through the windows. I love it!

I've always liked the look of these Chinese lanterns in gardens. I don't own one but it is on my wish list.

This was a pencil-free sketch using Pigma Micron pens and Derwent Inktense pencils for colour...oh, and a Uniball Signo white pen for highlights. I liked using the double page format so much yesterday that I went with the same idea today.  It's in my Moleskine pocket watercolour sketch book.

to view the creative posts of other AEDM members for Day 27
click here.

It was a very hot and humid day...a clear reminder that summer is only days away.  I know I'm in the minority when I say that I prefer our cooler months but that's how I feel.  I hope tomorrow will be a little cooler.

~ Love, light and peace ~

Day 26 - AEDM & Nablopomo - African Milk Tree

hi everyone

after my good health day yesterday, lower back and abdominal pain had me feeling off kilter again today.  if it's not one thing, it's another.....so not fun. i didn't get around to sketching again until afternoon.

another pen sketch was in order.
i was quite excited about doing a double page in the landscape format.

the subject - one of our potted african milk trees

though it looks like a cactus, it is actually a succulent and belongs to the euphorbia family. this particular variety is called a euphorbia trigona.  NOTE - euphorbias are highly toxic.

after the pen sketch was finished, i used my derwent inktense pencils and some AS artists watercolour paints to give it some colour.

and then....the final layer with more details.
pencil-free sketch using ZIG millenium & pigma micron ink pens, derwent inktense pencils and AS watercolour paints in my moleskine pocket watercolour sketchbook.

OH...i also used my uniball signo white pen.
i don't know how i overlooked it but, AFTER i took the final pics, i noticed that i'd neglected to colour the very top right shoot.  it has since been coloured.

to view the creative posts of other AEDM members for Day 26
click here.

~ love, light and peace ~

Day 25 - AEDM & Nablopomo - Bali Buddha

i was feeling much better today.

brad (my eldest son) and i went out mid-morning to run a few errands and pick up a few groceries. it was quite a hot, humid day and the promised rain didn't really eventuate. just light drizzle early morning which only added to the humidity factor.

come afternoon, i decided to do a pen sketch of the buddha i have in my bedroom. 

he came from bali and is made from wood.  he used to be a dark brown colour but i painted him aqua.

out came my derwent inktense pencils for a bit of colour

"If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change."  ~ Buddha

to view the creative posts of other AEDM members for Day 25
click here.

"The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly."  ~ Buddha

~ love, light and peace ~