I = Ismerelda is Inspiring For Lolo

I was drawing an ATC the other night with no purpose or intent when Ismerelda emerged and inspired me to call her "Inspiration"; perfect for the "I" ATC I would be expected to produce by today!

She goes to Laurel of Studio Lolo, as soon as I can find her on her trek to the East Coast! One of many artists in this group and in blogland in general who inspires me often!

Bodega Bay With Brother and DH on Sunday

On Sunday we headed out early to Bodega Bay, an hour and a half drive from where we live; but a stop over in Santa Rosa for coffee and the bookstore (Sommerset Studio magazine)...and finally we arrive and are greeted right off by this flock of pelicans that were graceful and beautiful to behold!



We loved our vacation trip that took us to wide open spaces and praries galore, but today we needed WATER and the Pacific Ocean has lots of that to offer...


The weather was perfect, warm and sunny, a very slight breeze, just enough to make the hike up the on the headlands easy and fun. Think bloomin' Tuesday as you view all the wild flowers and succulents on these hills.



...and think Animal Wednesday when you see all the wild life we enjoyed as well.






Lest you think I forgot this is my Happy Cactus Monday shot! LOL Well, there weren't a lot of cactus at the ocean what can I say?



This is my older brother! We stopped at a small art gallery and enjoyed the offerings of many local artists there.

A great day, a wonderful way to spend a Sunday...came home inspired to create more art and did...after a Mexican dinner and a little TV and talk. And now it's time to wish you a good day and new week! Enjoy! Life is precious and good.

Chris of Dyecandy is hosting a Giveaway!

Chris of Dyecandy who dyes the most outstanding fabrics is hosting a giveaway...you can find it at this link.
I have used some of Chris' hand dyed fabrics in recent ATCs and other car art I have given to friends. (Cris and Sam specifically)
Good luck to the one who wins her giveaway of fabric and/or jewelry.

Owls and Sunflowers

On Friday DH and I were back to "vacation mode"... we are happy to report that a mere mile from our house in two directions we can find wild life and amazing flowers.
The burrowing owls seemed to have squired more young in our absence and this field of sunflowers came into bloom since we have returned.
The latter being appropriate as I get my Sunflower Art Quilt ready to mail off to Mim on Monday. It's on it's way Mim, thanks for waiting so patiently for it. And thank you for honoring me with your purchase.

This is one of many fabric ATCs I created while driving through the ten states of our vacation. This one is inviting you to see the others on my ATC Blog.(Click to see all the ATCs)

A Funny sign we saw in Foresythe, Montana. We did not stay there even though it seemed a friendly place to stay.



W.Clark of Lewis and Clark signed his name on this mountain below and it is preserved along with those names of many many pioneers who followed this trail. It was a beautiful spot to come to (again, for us) and to climb over looking beautiful prairies for as far as the eye could see. The cotton wood trees are fun too with real cotton growing and falling from them. I brought a bit home in my pocket.



DH took us to this Law Dawg hat shop in Montana. The owner of the shop was so amenable, helpful, and not pushy at all. He steamed the hat DH chose to fit him free of charge!



I think I liked him because he had a sewing machine. Fun to think a cowboy could sew!