Time ran away from me again this week so it will be a quick post and run for now.
This week's prompt for Scribble Picnic is STARS.
I was thinking of the Don McLean song 'Vincent' where part of the lyrics are
Starry, starry night,
Paint your palette blue and grey
SO, a starry night sky was in order. I will admit that this was my third attempt as I've never done a night sky in watercolours before. I have done a few in acrylics with reasonable results but that's it.
To see what my fellow Scribblers have done for the prompt this week, click HERE.
The Scribble Picnic prompt for this week is HOT CHOCOLATE.
I usually make quite a few hot chocolate drinks during our winter months. There's just something about that mug of hot sweetness that make me feel spoiled, cosy, and warm. I never have marshmallows in mine though. I hate the thought of hot, gooey marshmallow. Ewwww! Definitely not for me. I've never had toasted marshmallows around a campfire either for the same reason.
Marshmallows have always been a favourite but I like them nice and firm....not hot and gooey. I used to make them and roll them in toasted coconut. They even have vegan marshmallows now so I don't miss out but — back to hot chocolate. I make mine with Cadburys Drinking Chocolate powder, a dash of vanilla essence, and soy milk mixed together in a saucepan. When hot enough, I froth it up with the electric hand mixer. After pouring it into our mugs, I drizzle chocolate syrup over the froth. OH, so yummy!
My sketch today is done with ink, watercolour, and Prismacolor pencils using a copyright-free image which I altered somewhat...
To see what other participants have put up for this week, click HERE.
To find out how to join in each week, click HERE.
The drink was actually NOT the first HOT CHOCOLATE that came to mind but I didn't get time to sketch them. Who remembers the Hot Chocolate group in the late 70's and 80's? Songs like You Sexy Thing, Every 1's a Winner, So You Win Again, Emma and....It Started with a Kiss....
Thought I'd end off this post with one of their video clips. Enjoy!
Next week's prompt is TABLE CLOTH...see you at the picnic!
Eighteen years ago, in the small town of Kemmerer, Wyoming, I gave birth to my youngest child, Aaron. What an amazing journey it has been since. I've included some snapshots of Aaron over the years since his birth. My apologies that the quality in some of the images is not that great.
Here he is at two months old
I crocheted the blanket he is sitting on
My little beachcomber at around 2½ years of age
Around 3 years old
His first day at Preschool
Poolside at around 4 years of age
His first day of Grade 1
Aaron loved going on nature walks with me
We would always have our cameras at the ready
It has been an amazing journey and it has been a blast to watch him grow up.
I'm so very proud of the wonderful young man that Aaron has become.
Aaron and I at one of our many day trips,
This one was to Mount Tamborine
Aaron graduated high school last month.
I'm SO, so proud!
Here he is with his older brother, Bradley, on his school formal evening.
And with his Grandma.
Today, Aaron drove us to Wynnum at the bayside
to get out of the house for his birthday.
Afterwards, Aaron goofed around with Snapchat
Bradley was in on the fun too
It's been a fun day with pizza planned for dinner
and also a toast to Aaron's 18th as he can legally drink alcohol now.
And especially for you, Aaron, my beautiful boy. May your future be filled with many amazing opportunities, blessings, and much love. This song — one of my favourites — by The Pretenders says it all. The lyrics were written by the legendary Bob Dylan. Click HERE to watch on YouTube if the video below does not work.
Enjoy the rest of your special day, my son. Love you always. xo
I'm still working on finishing the double-page spread from our trip to Wellington Point last weekend. I decided to do a pen sketch from one of the fig tree photos I took that day. I gave it a stylised look which I really like it and it gives the double spread some interest. I was inspired by Jeremy Collins, a climber and artist/illustrator. I have his book titled Drawn and I also bought his documentary movie which featured him sketching. The book is amazing and so inspiring filled with his sketches and hand lettering among many photos too. You can see a great review of the book which includes lots of pictures HERE.
Here is the link to the trailer in case the video trailer won't play for you -
https://vimeo.com/100062478
Linking up with Sunday Sketches again this week...and again, a little late.
To see the work of the other participants for this week, click HERE.
I never did get around to posting photos of the other two abstract/decorative pieces I whipped up for the new colours in the house. These were done in a flash, free-hand, and they were a lot of fun to do. The one below is in the family room area. I went with a pattern to kinda tie in with the cushion.
And the following is my bedroom.
It was impossible to get a decent photo of this one due to the lighting in my room
but, trust me, it looks so much better in person.
When I was driving home from dropping Aaron at school through the week, I noticed a large group of ibis in our street. I just had to stop and take a pic as it's been quite a while since I've seen so many ibis together in our area.
No doubt they have been pushed off their local habitat as even more housing developments are being built in our area. It worries me to see even our local bush areas bulldozed down for human take-over. Where do they expect the wildlife in those areas to go? It makes me so sad that we often label displaced animals/birds as pests when the real pests on this planet are humans. Our numbers have multiplied to unsustainable levels and we literally destroy whatever is in our path. It's always the innocent who suffer. I am trying to live more consciously and be more aware of the footprint I leave behind.
I had the pleasurable company of these two adorable artists on Saturday. Mikayla on the left and Maddy on the right. We had a wonderful day together! Painting, sketching, doing collage, even a picnic in the back yard....it was a blast! I adore time spent with my Grandkids!
I'm working my way through some online courses and having lots of fun!
I was treated to a beautiful rainbow early Friday morning
when I took the wheelie bin out for pick-up.
Another stretch of sky was clear
and full of fluffy white clouds.
Hard to believe they were taken at the same time.
I've started yet another ripple blanket.
This one will be for me.
I love to snuggle up under these blankets in winter.
All cosy and warm while watching TV or a movie.
And so does Cody.
My ever faithful companion.
When I work at the computer, Cody snuggles up in his basket while,
Jack snuggles up in his.
SO cute!!!
Back in 2001, my eyes seized up on me after spending a lot of time at the computer. They froze at a set distance and my brain just couldn't refocus for any other distance whether it was closer or further away. My eyes were under a lot of strain and pressure. After seeing a Behavioural Optometrist for the first time, I had to do regular eye exercises until my vision returned to normal. I was also given my first prescription for reading glasses.
Well, I think my eyes have seized up again because I'm experiencing all the same symptoms as last time. The change happened over the course of 1 - 2 weeks. I get no relief at all unless I'm sleeping. The strain is constantly there even when I'm wearing my reading glasses which I pretty much have to wear all the time now, even for distance. They also help a little when watching TV which is all pretty weird considering they are supposed to be for close distances. I am booked in for March 1st to see my Behavioural Optometrist. I can't get in before then because she is only working Fridays due to caring for her ailing grandfather at the moment. Wish me luck.
I did manage a sketch of the new water filter I bought yesterday. Michelle has had one for ages and swears by it. I like the fact that, when you use the filtered water in electric jugs/kettles, they stay clean and don't build up any sediment.
NOTE - You may notice the font and font colour change on my blog, on and off, as I try to find one that isn't so hard on my eyes. Please bear with me.
To end this post,
I just had to share this funny animal video with human voice-over.
I apologise if I haven't been around to visit or comment much on your blogs lately. Life has sure been up and down over the past few weeks.....an emotional and tearful rollercoaster ride would be an apt description. My daughter, Michelle, has been going through a pretty rough time and naturally, when my kids are hurting, so am I. That said, things could be worse so I am trying to focus on the blessings that surround me each and every day too.
This morning, over on Caroline's blog, I watched this YouTube video which had me bawling my eyes out. Gabrielle Bouliane sure puts life into perspective.
MONDAY'S PHOTO A WEEK The theme for this week was hearts and flowers Click on any image to enlarge
I've only seen the walls of medical centres and hospitals this past week so not a lot of hearts there....well not the type I was thinking of anyways. The other day, I noticed this heart from nature which happens to belong to my sweet potato vine.
As for flowers, the theme this week was perfect timing because, the orange jasmine shrub in the front garden bed is just starting to open up her blooms.
We had a lot of rain over the weekend and I'll post more pics on that tomorrow but, for now, I thought I'd show you another EveryDayMatters challenge completed.
Pigma Micron pen, graphite and charcoal in A5 skecthbook
Whether you believe Global Warming is an issue or not, this young man certainly puts a logical perspective on the topic in terms of risk management.
My son's school has requested that, in recognition of the day, no plastic wrapping be used for our kids' packed lunches in an effort to draw attention to our environment and show ways we can make positive changes. I hope that everyone will make positive changes in their lives for the benefit of saving our precious environment. Our future generations are at stake.
