Sam's Forest in Hong Kong, China

Most definitely a departure from my "style", this very small (4 by 5 inches) painting was painted as a contribution to The Virtual Paintout. Each month, Bill Guffey of The Virtual Paintout, selects a city and artists
"roam" the city via Google Street Views, selecting a subject or location to paint.  This is my first submission and I have to say, it was a lot of fun!  Can't wait to see what the next city holds.

Glitz and Glamour

After seeing some photographs on other blogs showcasing collections, today I got out some of my vintage rhinestone jewelry.  I actually wear some of these pieces occasionally.  I also confess, one reason I photographed the jewelry was because I am trying to teach myself more about macro modes, aperture value and shutter speeds. Looks like this photo was in the "wide angle" format.  Oh, well ... I am learning.

Watercolor Paintings of the English Countryside

These watercolor painting were painted several years ago. There was quite a bit of detail, my first time of painting sheep. I love the antique frames, a flea market find. There is some reflection in the glass, I am not attempting to show detail, just how they appear in our dining room.

The Texas Sky

It seems there is always something happening in the Texas sky. The ever changing cloud formations are always awe inspiring.

The Clinch River in Tennessee

The beautiful Clinch River in Clinton, Tennessee, one April morning in 2010.

Come on in, the water's fine!

A watercolor painting of mine done in a more whimsical style.

"Faith" Sculpture by Mark Hopkins

My husband Clint and I have been fortunate enough on several occasions to visit Eureka Springs, Arkansas, and discoverd an art gallery that ranks among our favorites. We found this sculpture by artist Mark Hopkins at the 83 Spring Street Gallery. Entitled,"Faith", which depicts Jesus healing the blind man Bartimaeus.

Then Jesus said to him, "What do you want me to do for you?" The blind man said to him, "My teacher, let me see you again." Jesus said to him, "Go; your faith has made you well." Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way.

NRSV Mark 10:51,52

Beautiful Tennessee

In April I visited my family in East Tennessee. Everyday there was this beautiful scene as we pulled out of the lane where my sister lives. I would always grab my camera at different times of the day to get different light and shadows. Thanks, Patti, for being so patient when I hopped out of the car to take these photos.

Our Wonderful Neighbors

Today I just had to share what my two wonderful neighbor friends left outside my door yesterday on my birthday. They are so thoughtful, always giving. Thank you, Sandy and Suzan! ♥

The Clinch River in April

The beautiful Clinch River in Clinton, Tennessee.

That Kodak Moment

Why is it most of the times when we experience a "Kodak Moment" we never have our cameras with us? Yesterday on our morning walk, Clint and I saw a very large turtle in the creek that we pass over every morning. Not having my camera with me, I even drove back up to the creek to get a photo but the turtle was gone. I was quite impressed with the size of this turtle and this morning there was a camera but not a turtle. It was still nice to see the ducks enjoying the water on this July morning.

Oh the rose how it did grow ...

On my mind today is the song, "A Robin Built a Nest on Daddy's Grave", this version sung by Ralph Stanley.

Pears Watercolor Painting

A small watercolor painting I painted of tiny small pears that had fallen in our alley.

The Swallows

Swallows were rather unique to us when we moved to Texas. We "allowed" one nest built on our patio and was fascinated by all the work involved in the nest building. It appears to not have been a happy home for them, as a matter of fact, there may have been a "divorce" between the couple. This home has not had a good success rate for raising the young. We usually see the most activity around the end of April, today on July 1 we have had activity all day.