The promise of rain

 I can smell it, see the heavy clouds, feel the wind...

I know many of you have had your share of rain and storms.  Some devastating. But here in central Texas, we are in a serious drought.  We have had severe storms all around the Dallas/Fort Worth area, but the rain alludes our area.

This promise of rain will fill the stock tanks, creeks and lakes.  Revive the grassland, make the flowers bloom and refresh the dry earth.

I think I will go outside and do a rain dance, roll my windows down on my car, put the sprinklers on the yard and hang out some laundry...just for insurance..

(I  used Kim Klassen's textures on my pictures)

despite the over 100 degree weather...

It has been well OVER 100 degrees here in central Texas for the last few weeks.

I have been watering my garden like crazy.  I have managed to get produce from my poor little garden

 My sunflowers love the heat...

 My squash and zucchini are doing pretty good too.   I have grilled, baked, roasted, fried and cut it up for the birds.

 I don't think my water sprinkler has quit in a week!  Notice my puny little corn in the background as well as my beans and peppers

 Big boy tomatoes

 I eat the cherry tomatoes right off the vine...so good!

Purple heirloom, early girl and roma tomatoes ready to eat.. can't wait for lunch!

Nothing better than a tomato sandwich!

being still

I woke up to a beautiful sunrise this weekend.  It was calm and serene.

It was going to be another scorcher...around 102 degrees.

I decided to stay in my studio (and air conditioning!) and make a few things that I have been meaning to make for  a while...

 I have had very good luck selling my necklaces with vintage buttons and tatting. 

 I added a little bird, part of an old clip on earring and tiny key to this one.  

 A necklace made with some charms I have had for a while..

But this was the most fun!  I made dozens of buttons from clay.   I was up until 3:00 am waiting for them to finish firing.  I am going to use them on pillows and necklaces.  They would look great on purses and shopping bags!

Tiny bird houses on rusty wire.  A perfect decoration for potted plants.

silver spoon, vintage button and bird

old skeleton key, charm and tiny bee

old key, ruler, can opener and silver spoon

I had a great weekend...being still.   I ate tomatoes, zucchini, spinach and peppers from my garden,  practiced my yoga, watched the birds in the water sprinkler and ate ice cream.   

Sometimes we just have to be still and listen to what our minds, body and soul need.

P.S.  I have a facebook page now...Fat Cow Studio...I hope you will stop by and "like" me!  I don't have much up yet, but I am working on it!

I sell my art at Witherspoons Antique Mall in Granbury TX and Angels with Attitudes in Glen Rose, TX   I have a few things  on Etsy.  I have neglected my site for a while, but have plans to put more stuff on there soon.  If you are interested in any of my things, just give me a shout!

Refreshed and Inspired

My trip to Asheville did me a world of good...

My dad and I hiked up to Triple Falls early one morning..

 It was breathtaking, serene, peaceful and awe-inspiring

 It gave me wisdom and insight

I enjoyed my trip to my parents and came back to (HOT) Texas refreshed and relaxed....

A little time off..

I am going to my hometown, Asheville NC to visit my parents for several days. 

(I made this card representing my visit. My parents gave
me wings to fly and strong roots to stay grounded)

I am looking forward to the splendor of the Blue Ridge Mountains, hiking and maybe a little fly fishing with my dad.  Visiting art galleries,  quaint shops and eating whole food in small resturants with my mom.  

They are both amazing artists, my dad-a photographer, stained glass artist and gourmet chef.  My mom-a painter, basketmaker, doll maker and excellent seamstress.  I grew up surrounded by art, nature and the love of the outdoors and it is still their daily environment.

I will recharge my batteries and come back home feeling refreshed, encouraged and inspired!

Everyone have a good week and I will see you in a week or so!



Live the Life you've imagined

I picked this sign up a few months ago and had it sitting on my shelf where I could see it everyday.   But it wasn't until today that I actually "saw" it and thought about what it really meant.

I have everything that I have dreamed of having....a loving family, a beautiful home in the country, my dogs, cat and cattle, amazing friends,  a new art studio, great job..I could go on and on.   I am truly blessed.

But am I living the life that I have imagined?

I think that I am, but I want to do more.  I want to be more relaxed, slow down a bit and enjoy my garden, the new born calves, do more artwork, spend more quality time with my family.  I also want to make a difference in this world even if it is just little things, like recycling, being more organic, not being so rushed and laughing more.  It is so easy to get caught up in the day to day stress of things that I forget to see what is really important...  

five little babies

I have several bluebird houses along the edge of our property hanging on the barbwire fence.   Each one has had 2-3 eggs hatched in them....but this mama has broken a record!   All five of the pretty blue eggs hatched with lively baby bluebirds!  They hatched out on Saturday and what a Mother's Day this mama had!   She will have her hands (well beak) full!  I will keep you posted on their progress.

If you haven't seen the Decorah, Iowa Eagles   check this out.   I have watched the three eaglets since they hatched the first week of April.   They are so cute!  The mother and father take such great care of them.
The eaglets are at an age where they are starting to flap their wings and walk around the huge nest.  They make me so nervous getting too close to the edge!!  The story of the parent eagles is amazing, so read up on them if you view this site.


http://www.ustream.tv/decoraheagles

and if you want to see the cutest baby hummingbird, check out  this site...

http://phoebeallens.com