Grandson Number 1

Baby Boy James, 12 hours old.

 Well, it took a while but my first grandbaby has arrived. Lila was due a week ago Friday. Baby showed no sign of appearing, so she was admitted to the hospital this past Friday for induction. They put her on pitocin Saturday and still no baby, so they turned it off Saturday night so everyone could get some sleep. Sunday morning they started all over again and MANY hours later, baby boy James arrived. He is absolutely perfect, of course. Mom and Dad are exhausted, but doing well. 

All tired out after working hard all weekend.

In case you haven't been paying attention, both grandbabies will be named "James." This particular James doesn't have a middle name yet. The parents will decide on that later today or tomorrow. This was fun. I get to do it again in about 3 weeks. As a grandmother I get all the joy and none of the pain. According to Malcolm, who has carefully examined his astrology chart, this guy will be quite the ladies man. Well, we'll see about that...but he sure has captured my heart.

Scrap Town...paintings on reclaimed 2 x 4s

I've been busy getting the Etsy shop up and running. My daughter has been managing it for me since I'm so technologically inept. The hardest part of the creative process for me is coming up with ideas. The actual painting part is easy, but thinking of things to paint can be a real strain. Plus, these days I'm trying to be original and come up with exciting new products. These little houses are mixed media (acrylic, scrapbook paper, charcoal, gelatos, sharpies and some embellishments). The 2 x 4s are left over scraps from the fence we had built out back to corral the dogs. I like the idea of using reclaimed wood. So, the rest of the collection is located here:
MondoArto

KaBOOM!

This past Saturday, Armed Forces Day, I volunteered with a group from work to build a playground in Fayetteville. KaBoom is like Habitat for Humanity, only they build playgrounds rather than houses. Honestly, I had been dreading it all week because I don't do physical labor and I also don't do hot weather. I was so afraid I would get stuck on mulch duty. If I had to shovel mulch and move wheelbarrows, I would last about 10 minutes. BUT, as luck would have it--I was randomly assigned to painting! So, I spent the day in the shade painting signs. It was great. Actually the weather was more than amazing. It must have been in the low 70s all day. Just beautiful. And we got fed breakfast and lunch. Besides the crew from Blue Cross, there was a group there from Great Oak Youth Development Center, Harnett-Cumberland Parks & Rec, some Ft. Bragg soldiers and a few community volunteers. In 6 1/2 hours we build a playground, picnic area, other play areas, walking trails and a stage. Maybe someday I can take my grandkids there to show them my handiwork

I'm in the back somewhere.

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The buzzards are circling....

This turkey vulture was perched on the window at the office a couple weeks ago. I work in a glass building, kind of pyramid shaped (a rhomboid, actually). This guy was either peering in at us working drones, or was enchanted with his own reflection. You have to be concerned when a vulture is waiting around, staring at you. Does he know something I don't know? Well, sure enough, we got an announcement that part of the operation was going to be outsourced and there would be lay-offs. My son told me I should find out what my spirit animal is...I'm pretty sure it is a slug, though, not a vulture.

Mother's Day 2014

Hannah, Lila, Lila's sister in law and Jon in the back.

We were invited to a baby shower for Lila at Lila's mom's house. It turns out that Lila's brother and his wife are also expecting a baby. So, Lila is due end of May, Hannah is due end of June and Lila's sister in law, whose name I've forgotten (sorry, I'm old) is due end of August. There's babies everywhere! The shower was just lovely. Great food. Lila's mom made an amazing carrot cake, probably the best one I've ever had. And her step mom made a smoked trout and dill dip that was just killer. And what did I bring? Just my sorry self. Hey, I'm an artist, not a cook. Lila's mother also does dog rescue, so the little pit mix in the picture is her latest addition. He's a sweetie. Not too much longer until I get to welcome my first little grandson into the world. I'm still trying to get my head around it.

Serpent in the Garden

Capt. America and Clawdia are quite intrigued by a black snake that came out to enjoy a little sunshine. It was still a bit chilly out, so he was stuck in first gear. The cats checked him out carefully, but kept a safe distance. I was more concerned for the snake actually. A puncture wound could kill him and I like having black snakes around...they kill mice. Happy Easter to all God's creatures, 4 footed, 2 footed and no footed.

Clawdia and the Captain with a black snake

2nd Friday Art Walk

Preparing a panel of Ganesha

For the 2nd Friday Art Walk on April 11, the gallery hosted a reception for the Orange County Artists Guild. They will have many of their works on display all month. During the reception, some of us were enlisted to help prepare panels depicting Ganesha, the Hindu elephant headed god. The panels will be displayed at the Hindu Temple in Cary, of which our gracious landlady, Mrs. Goli, is a member. I did the chalk drawings for 3 panels and later some other artists went over the lines in gold fabric paint. I hope to get a picture of the finished product at some point.

Of note: I have several new works on display at the gallery this month. There is a landscape in gouache that I am particularly proud of. I priced it rather high because I am not ready to part with it yet. Of course, if someone else falls totally in love with it and throws a pile of money at me--I am sure I will find the strength to let it go. I'm just sayin' is all...