Charming Endeavor

I have always been quite enamored with
treasures that are able to fit in the palm
of my hand. Somehow, I feel as if I am
holding a rare jewel, small yet precious.

Tiny works are bits of inspiration and
delight that I can carry with me, like a
little secret tucked in my pocket.

Earnest Path

If only you would see me
as a tender heart surrendered
but here I stand... humbled
amidst your faultless virtues.

If only you were nearer
these hands would love, and keep you
but here I stand... lingering
as you cross one life's earnest path.

In The Studio...

The scorching heat has returned to the Plains, relentless
and unforgiving. At certain moments, all five feeders
have been filled to the brim with winged visitors, each
vying for food and shelter from what seems like the
wrath of the elements.

I have been amazed by the number of Orioles, of late,
and even the first appearance of a female Cardinal.

Irresistible Color

Sometime you see a color combination
that strikes a cord and makes you smile.

I am dreamin' of Autumn days and could
not resist this vibrant Fall Melange.




Artist friend, Diana Trout, turned me
onto the Design-Seeds website. It's
an incredible color resource.

In The Studio...

Yesterday's cloudy skies, gentle rains created an very tangible atmosphere of serenity on the Plains. And I continue to be moved, inspired by the beauty that the late summer Prairie offers.

All this Excitement!

It has been a jam packed few weeks here in the studio.

First starting with the arrival of my NEW! 2012
Nature Inspired Birds Calendars by TF Publishing...
oh, be still my beating heart.

Next a flurry of packing, shipping, and celebrating
with friends via the web... keeping me all a flutter
with anticipation as my calendar treasures begin to
arrive at their destinations.

Then the hot! Hot! HOT! Summer Giveaway!
I LOVED reading all the different responses
given for the favorite seasons question.

Fall and Spring were the clear winners with Summer
taking third place, followed by All Seasons, and Winter
was last. My favorite is Autumn followed by Winter.
Spring is my least favorite, and I like Summer when it
is not over the 95 degree mark.

Anyway, I was thrilled with how many of you participated
in my informal poll, so I decided not only to give a
Grand Prize, but also 3 Prints to spread the fun around.
So without further adieu, I am thrilled to announce
the Grand Prize winner is.... Susannasays!! And the
Print winners are The White Bench, Mary of Miss
Dilettante's Playground, and SJMcDowell!


I have also been very excited by the recent visits
from several hummingbirds. It has been terribly
difficult to try and snap a picture of them. They are
so quick. I must have over 100 shots with
really only 7 or 8 usable images. If anyone has any tips
for getting a good photograph of these little
winged beauties, I would sure appreciate the
advice.



Finally, I am so humbled and grateful to say that so
many of you have already purchased copies of my
NEW! 2012 Nature Inspired Birds: Calendars. I have
less than 10 Wall Calendars left!

So there is still a chance to be included in my Original
Art Giveaway, when you purchase. Details on how
to order are located in the right side margin of the
blog.

Thank you ALL so much for visiting my blog, and I
invite you back to follow along on my artistic journey
through nature!

MORE CHANCES TO WIN!!!

It is has been SO EXCITING these last several days
to read all of the lovely comments left on my blog
regarding individual likes and some dislikes about
a particular season. There is still time to sign-up for
A Nature Inspired Giveaway. I will be selecting a
winner at random on Friday, August 19th, which is the
last day of the hot! Hot! HOT! Summer Giveaway
EXTRAVAGANZA.

Speaking of the hot! Hot! HOT! Summer Giveaways
Don't miss out on winning some of the most creative
books, magazines and DVD workshops out there by
visiting each blog listed for that day. And if you missed
previous days then be sure to stop by those blogs and
leave a comment for more chances to win!

Wed August 10- Carla Sonhiem
Thurs August 11- Diana Trout
Fri August 12- Gloria Hansen
Sat August 13- Tracie Lyn Huskamp That's ME!
Sun August 14- Jane LaFazio
Mon August 15- Jill Berry
Tues August 16- Judy Coates Perez
Wed August 17- Kelli Nina Perkins
Thurs August 18- Lyric Kinard
Fri August 19- Melanie Testa



Finally, I am so humbled and grateful to say that so
many of you have already purchased copies of my
NEW! 2012 Nature Inspired Birds: Calendars. I am
taking orders for the less than 20 copies of Wall
Calendars I have left.


You will receive the Limited Edition Print shown at
the top of this post and be included in my Original
Art Giveaway, when you purchase. Details on how
to order are located in the right side margin of the
blog.

A NATURE INSPIRED GIVEAWAY!!!

Today is my day!

I am the fourth artist in A hot! Hot! HOT! Summer Giveaway.

Leave a comment explaining your favorite season for a chance to WIN!
a copy of my book, Nature Inspired: Mixed Media Techniques and
one of my NEW! 2012 Wall Calendars: Nature Inspired Birds.


I will pick a winner randomly on Friday, August 19th, the last day of this
giveaway hop.

And be sure not to miss signing-up for the remaining giveaways. (There
will be 10 total!)

Thank you so much for visiting my blog, and I invite you back to follow
along on my artistic journey through nature!

OH SO... hot! Hot! HOT!

My friends, I suggest you grab a fire hose and brace yourselves for

A hot! Hot! HOT! Summer Giveaway

My fabulously fiery friends are simply too hot to handle this summer!

Be inspired and feed the fires of your creativity with some of the most
creative books, magazines and DVD workshops out there.

Visit each blog on the scheduled day and leave comments for chances to
WIN in this hottest of summer giveaways!

Wed August 10- Carla Sonhiem
Thurs August 11- Diana Trout
Fri August 12- Gloria Hansen
Sat August 13- Tracie Lyn Huskamp That's ME!
Sun August 14- Jane LaFazio
Mon August 15- Jill Berry
Tues August 16- Judy Coates Perez
Wed August 17- Kelli Nina Perkins
Thurs August 18- Lyric Kinard
Fri August 19- Melanie Testa

It's day three and we are rolling along with Gloria Hansen and
the hot! Hot! HOT! Summer Giveaway. She is offering
a copy of her book, Digital Essentials, the Must Have Guide to
Images, Files, and More.


Hop on over to Gloria's blog and leave a comment for a chance to win!

Twelve Months Inspired

Dear Friends...
These last several days have filled me with deep
gratitude. It has meant more than you will ever
know to have so many of you, near and far,
celebrate with me this milestone in my artistic
journey.

The Day Planners sold out in less than 48 hours!
However, there are still Wall Calendars available,
but those to are selling quickly. So, don't wait if
you will like to receive a Limited Edition Print
and be included in the Original Art Giveaway.

These first days of August have been filled with joyous
excitement, and the occasional outbursts of giddy, child-
like exuberance. Such raucous behavior that all began
with a delivery of boxes containing the evidence of a
dream realized.

Carefully packaged inside these surprise parcels were
copies of my NEW 2012 Nature Inspired Birds: Wall
Calendar and Daily Planner by TF Publishing!!!


Between the laughter and tears, I carefully browsed
the pages of both. Each format is completely breath-taking.

As my chest swells with pride, I tell you that I could not
be more proud, especially since all calendar pages are
printed on FSC certified paper with environmentally safe
inks, making them both beautiful and eco-friendly.

I just know you going to LOVE THEM!!!


To celebrate, I am offering a very small number of calendars and
planners with some added treasures tucked into every package.

I am currently taking orders for both. The planner starts in
September 2011 and includes a total of 16 months. Each week
has a "Notes", "To Do" and "Shopping List" spread, along with
additional pages for measurement conversions, addresses,
birthdays, events and more!

Details on how to purchase are located in the right side margin
of the blog.

Each calendar and planner will come with a very special
Limited Edition print. Daily Planners will be autographed,
but Wall Calendars will only be autographed by request,
as they come prepackaged in a protective plastic wrap.

And finally, as an additional Thank You for ordering, you
will be eligible to win an original artwork. But don't wait
to be including in this FABULOUS give-away, as
there are a very Very limited quantities available.

It's That Time Of Year Again!!!

The NEW classes for Artfest 2012 are
on-line and registration has begun!

And I am completely OVER THE MOON
EXCITED to be returning to teach TWO
INCREDIBLE WORKSHOPS!

Both are focused on unique ways of
inspiration journaling.

I have lots of super techniques to share in each
session to inspire and keep the creative energy
going long after you return home.

Now, I invite you to take a closer look
and peruse the details of both classes,
Technicolor Journaling and The
Curiosities Within.

I look forward to seeing you in one or both
workshops next March!