Another Birthday

So... my birthday has come and gone and I'm another year older. On Sunday one of my sons and my daughter and assorted family members came to visit, play games, eat, and just be together. They even came down early from a Schweitzer Mountain weekend to spend time with me. I was pleased. Because she was unable to attend the Sunday gathering, I met with my daughter-in-law for lunch the next day, my actual birthday. My son, her husband, is in Afghanistan. I brought my youngest granddaughter, age 3, home with me to spend the night.

We had great adventures. Having her around helped me forget that I was another year older - and reminded me that I'm not getting any younger. Keeping up with little ones wears a grandma out!

Natalie loves to look at pictures so I showed her my blog which included the face painting. Of course she wanted to have her face painted... She was too cute not to share- enjoy the photos. Don't grandchildren just make your heart swell with love?
My granddaughter is 3 years old and a delightful child who loves princesses and dressing up pretty. She is beyond cute!

Of course, my other grandchildren are also above average, handsome & beautiful, smart, talented, and wonderful. Three of them are close to the same age (8-10) and when I have them together they often make me laugh until I cry. I am so blessed. My oldest grandchild (big sister to Natalie, the princess) is 18 and a freshman at University of Idaho. She is knock 'em dead beautiful with a dynamic future ahead of her. I am very proud. I love them all so very much.

A New Year

Christmas was wonderful and so was ending the old year to embrace the new. I did the First Night face painting again- this year the Shriner ladies were the bulk of the painters, I think I was the only one who wasn't. We then walked over to the Bank of America lobby to "check buttons" for Six Foot Swing, a lovely group with a following of excellent dancers. The group had an acoustic bass, a washboard & bells, clarinet, keyboard and a lovely woman with deep sexy voice and a plunging neckline. Not only was the music pleasing, the dancing was delightful to watch. There were young dancers (20 somethings) and older dancers (50 and 60 somethings) and all ages in between. Clearly the younger dancers were into competitive dance -their moves were inventive, high energy, fun! There was another couple (from the 50 somethings)who had clearly spent some time dancing. He led her smoothly around the floor with power and varying moves that made it the epitome of partner dancing. Beautiful. I wish I had taken pictures. Sorry. Well, I did take a few of the faces I painted, some of which I've shared on this blog.

I hope your New Year has had a pleasant beginning.

First Night Spokane

A couple of years ago I volunteered to do face painting at First Night. I can tell you, it was fun. There was a gigantic dragon made of balloons, all kinds of interesting crafts, performances. What a wonderful energy. I meant to do it last year but the road conditions were too dangerous for the distance I had to travel so I had to miss it. The good news is that I'll be face painting again this year. Browsing the First Night site, I ran across the pictures from that night so if you're curious about the event, you might enjoy checking out this link: http://www.firstnightspokane.org/index.php?page_id=19&icat=5

If you have children, it's a great way to share the New Years Eve celebration with them. Here are a couple of pictures I took from that night.

As I gear up to begin holiday window painting, I'm looking at the portfolio I take with me to show my customers. I need to get some new ideas to share. Last year seemed to be a totally snowman theme everywhere I went. This year I already have a request for a wreath which I hope to do tomorrow. I'm also talking to myself about getting out and taking pictures of the windows so I can include them as examples in my portfolio.

As much as I hate leaping past Thanksgiving to Christmas, I'm sharing one of my favorite paintings which I have titled The Lamb of God

Day 2 of the new blogger

So... I've attached my blog to craigslist ads and have asked friends and family to check things out. So far, I've recived no new posts from anyone. Still learning.

This is a 4x6" watercolor that I did of flowers picked from the neighbors' yard. Another thing to learn... the picture needs to be turned but I don't see how to do it.

*** Please see comment with this post *** Thanks FS! I did it. Yaaaay!

My new beginning

In the process of discovering and learning the way, I'm building this blog. Bear with me as I learn my way.

Inspired by my son who told me I needed to get my name out to bring in jobs, this is my new beginning. Thanks for reading