African Sunset COMPLETED

....and it only took a year! 

I did have a good excuse though 

with my Dad's illness taking a priority. 

Progress images are below,

Colours may vary due to the time of day and lighting.

In the beginning,

there was a mess

More progress

Yes, that is part of my car you see.

 I was painting the beginning stages in my garage. 

Back when I did actually have an area set up for my arts and crafts.

Big changes meant no more art space for me 

so now I set up the dining area in the house when I need to paint.

Time to get serious

A giraffe makes an appearance.
I sketched the tree and all the animals free-hand
and made up the layout as I went along.
I think that sketching free-hand in pen has helped me a great deal

Then an elephant and her baby complete the scene

with some reflections too.

Aaron was very happy to be able to finally hang it on his bedroom wall

I am so happy it's finally done too

Currently, I'm re-vamping an old painting for Mackenzie's nursery. 

Time is running out as she is due to make her big entrance next month.

I'm also crocheting like mad to get her bed blanket finished in time. 

That one may have to be a little late.

I'm off to add some more touches to the painting now.

I hope you are all enjoying a beautiful weekend!

Happy 80th, Mum!

My beautiful Mum turned 80 on August 18th!

What she didn't know was 

that a surprise party was planned in her honour

at my brother's place.

The decorating theme was red roses which Mum loves.

The cake/s looked beautiful!

I freehanded the chalk-board myself. 

Photo display showing Mum throughout the years...

The birthday girl herself!

She's still got the moves on the dance floor too!

Brad, Mum, and me

My brother, Billy, photo-bombing us. hehe

Billy and I

It was such a special day
with family and friends.

Mum had a blast! 

She couldn't believe we pulled it off 

without her finding out. hehe

 Believe me, we came close to spilling the beans a few times 

but managed to bite our tongues in time. Phew!

As you know, my Dad passed away in April. 

He and Mum would have been married 60 years on August 20th 

so this August's celebrations were bitter-sweet in parts. 

Tears were shed but we believe Dad was there with us in spirit
so that gives us comfort.

 I still miss him every day.

Mum and I were even crying on the drive 

out to my brother's house 

as memories of Dad flooded our thoughts. 

He and Mum used to live out that way too. 

**********

Dearest Mum,

You and Dad have always been there for me and my kids. 

I have so many wonderful, happy memories 

that I will carry close to my heart forever. 

Thanks for everything!

Love you heaps! xo

Hooking again

I have been busy hooking again....

I crocheted a little white baby jacket for my soon-to-be Granddaughter! 

I made one for Mikayla (now 4) using the same pattern

and Maddy (now 2) also had her time of wearing it.

Michelle asked if I could make a new one 

for baby number three being that the other one 

was so well worn. 

I'm pleased with how it turned out....

This one was bittersweet for me to make.

There was definitely a lot of love crocheted into it 

but I sadly realised it was the last time 

I would be able to crochet with fine 3ply baby wool. 

My arthritic hands and carpal tunnel syndrome
 made it an extremely difficult and painful task 

to the point of tears at times. 

At first I was unsure if I'd be able to do it at all.

I attempted to use telekinesis numerous times 

on my uncooperative fingers...
willing them to move and hold the wool.

It didn't work so I poo-pooed that idea.

I just persevered as best I could 

but it was a very frustrating, slow, and painful process.

I can't tell you enough how relieved I was to finally finish it!

I was feeling quite depressed by my limitations due to arthritis
but I guess I can still knit with the 3 ply baby wool
because the knitting needles hold the work in place,
unlike with crochet.

Sorry, dear readers, for not posting more frequently.

I want to get there!

I WILL get there!

I did manage to finish the painting for Aaron's room this past week.

Stay tuned for a post on that very soon.