Painting in the Park

Needing to get out and exercise, I thought how boring it would be to do the neighborhood loop... So I decided on a trip to the Oak Canyon Park and took my watercolors and sketchbbook. The morning air was cool, but I came upon a bench in the sun and sat down to try my hand in an attempt to capture the glorious beauty I found there.

I have a lot of room for improvement in my painting and photography, I know, but if I don't practice, well... I guess I wouldn't get anywhere. It was relaxing and even feels like a meditation session when I sit and look at the beauty and color of nature; that's mostly what I get out of it...


The flowers are blooming all over the place out there! Even the paddle cactus are starting to bloom.

Then I found some dried flowers on the trail that someone had picked and then abandoned, so I collected them up and tucked them in my sketchbook pages to be later drawn and painted.

The live poppys I saw were still in a shady spot, closed in their dormant shape. I think it's such a treat to observe a large patch of open poppys up close--such color!

While I was meandering along the trails, I also saw all kinds of wildlife. Birds, rabbits, squirrels, lizards, and butterflys and bees abound. Since this park is just a minute away, it's a great place to slip away for a hike and to find treasures hidden in the canyon between the neighborhoods of our hills. Getting out in the fresh air, getting some exercise, and appreciating God's awesome creations does a lot for the soul. Now I feel refreshed to continue with my busy day...

Home again, home again, Jiggity Jig!!!!

I'm back!!! We've been in Arizona for awhile visiting relatives and watching some Spring training baseball. Not really a fan, but my honey is, so I tag along--zzzzzzzz. So good to be in my wholesome sea cottage sleeping in my own bed. It was so hot there too, so it feels nice to be back to Spring-like weather again--Summer comes soon enough.

On our 6-hour drive to Arizona, I was reading the first book of "The Zone" series called "Enter the Zone". I became acutely aware of how many unnessary carbs, fats and proteins I was eating and a light bulb went on--oh duh--that's why my stomach is having so much trouble handling all that. Since I've had stomach pain for awhile now, I was pleased to have been blessed with that "ah ha" moment that was like a big clue to what I think was the cause of the pain I was experiencing--too many carbs and calories in general equals inflammation and ill-health in general...

After a few days of following the rules of the Zone, I could feel a difference; less pain, less fatigue, better sleep, and a clearer head. It's been over a week now and it's a great feeling to know how much is enough and why we need what we need and nothing more. It's like having boundaries and how good it feels to know what they are.

I remember thinking when I was younger that when I leave home I could eat candy bars all day if I wanted to... I'm glad at home we had reasonable rules and guidelines and even warnings to "save room for supper". It makes sense to me that it is more healthy and logical to have boundaries in most areas in life. I'm so thankful to have found "the zone" books and really understand what I need to do to feel good.. Thank you, God...

A Fun Way to Learn!

I was just over at Rhinestone Armadillo and saw the UTube video of a Sesame Street song--I haven't watched in a while, but they sure are getting hip...

Feist on Sesame Street

If I was learning my numbers, what fun that would be to watch. They're so creative and entertaining, aren't they?

This is another UTube video from my friend over at The Reluctant Entertainer that was very good..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLZAWtdFhio&feature=related