Big Bad Elephant Tusks

The Great Elephant Tusks

Play Time with Matilda and Tatiana

I have seen Tatiana do this before but tonight I finally captured it on a picture because no one would really believe it. At the moment Blue Elephant is their favorite toy and Tatiana guards it with her life. But when she gets it just right in her mouth she looks like she has the tusks! Matilda just want to take it away and squeak it all over the house! And I'm still trying to get a good photo of them together - well, maybe another time. Well, I broke down and went to Dr. Ansari today - the pain is too much. The first thing he said was "the body parts just keep falling apart"! I don't have arthritis in my knee so I'm off for an MRI and then knee surgery again. It will be scoped so it won't be too bad. What WAS bad was a shot of cortisone right in the knee - OUCH!!! He froze where he put in the needle but what really hurt was the meds going in the knee. I hope it will be soon - he said he's booked months ahead but that he would work me in. I told him I needed my knee for gardening season which is right around the corner. I hope the shot will give me some relief - if not thank God for Vicoden - he gave me a script so at least I function (with my high heels on)! So I guess 57 is the magic number where your body really starts to fall apart!!! I'm just so ready to feel normal and without pain.





Best of My Day: Me and Kenny laughing at Tatiana and her "Tusks"!!

Painting and Cooking!

And the Beginnina of

"St Augustine Jug"

12 x 16

As you can see I have not put the handles on - maybe I will and maybe I won't!!!!!

My Still Life Set up

"Bond's Martini"

A Donation to the Cancer Research Center in Columbus for the Silent Auction

12 x 12 Oil on Canvas

Even though I signed it I've decided to work on this more ...

a commission for "Miss Donna"

Of course I'd rather paint but sometimes you have to cook too. I made a chili relino bake today with fresh salsa, guacamole and chips. It was very good and Kenny and I got to have a "late" lunch together. I painted some yesterday but only a couple of hours so I tried to get to the studio earlier today. I was hurting so bad on Tuesday I couldn't stand for very long. I broke down and called my surgeon so I have an appointment tomorrow. I know what he's going to say - get and MRI and we need to fix this knee. My right one did so well but this one is very swollen and I'm limping all the time now. So much for the old knee, I started working on a couple of things. My friend Donna in Columbus saw a print in watercolor of this abstract lady and wanted me to paint it. It's hard to convert a watercolor to oil but I'm trying. It's totally not my style but kinda fun to paint. And today I had a first: I sat up my own still life and started a painting from that. I normally paint from photos so this is exciting and different. I've got a lot of work to do on the painting but I'm loving it so far. I also started another figure painting of Lauren but gotta work on more before I can post it. It's very cold here today - in the 20's - and going to the Doc tomorrow so my painting for the week is probably over until next week. Still it was an inspiring day!









Best of My Day: Mexican lunch and painting!

Oh, the pain of Mondays!

Time for Myself this weekend

30 x 40 Oil on Canvas

SOLD!!!!!!

Tired and can't hardly walk with my knee but I got a lot done today. First the big news - I sold "Time for Myself" this weekend in Columbus for $2100.00 - yeah whoopie we needed that! And now I'm going to paint this week to celebrate! I did the grocery shopping, Walmart run (I hate that), to the library and by the time I got home my legs hurt really bad. This old age thing and almost 30 years of dancing in high heels is catching up with me fast. I'm just tired of all the pain. And oh how I love to dance! It was a beautiful almost spring like day but we're getting more rain tomorrow - yeah - and cold again tomorrow night - double yeah. I'm still not ready for winter to be over. Come on, one more little snow storm! We had a good weekend in Columbus and celebrated LeBron's (Bass Player) birthday. And we spent time with Brock, (Pat's son) and planning a 5th birthday party for him on the next trip down. My babies are all snuggled in the bed and I'm going to read my library book (James Patterson), my favorite author. I'm still trying to figure out how to set up some good still lifes - hope to work on that tomorrow too. Now, something for the pain and lie down!

Best of My Day: Cashing the check for the sell of a painting!!!!

A nice visit at Home

My Favorite!!!!

Celebrating 95 years and 5 weeks with a prime rib dinner!

Sharing a laugh after almost 63 years of marriage

Sami maybe wanting to play with Tatiana and Matilda

Got back today from South Carolina and a couple of really nice days with mother and daddy. It was really cold and windy both days and rained all the way home but that could dampen my mood. My Daddy is feeling pretty good and that makes Mother happy too. He was his funny self too. On Tuesday night we went to Steak and Ale - he's now celebrating 95 years and 5 weeks so he wanted a prime rib dinner. Of course, he dressed up in his black suit and tie to go to dinner. I took these photos after we had eaten and it's some of my favorites. Him and Mother laughing and I love the one of us too. Then we had gotten Matilda and Tatiana squeaky toys at Target and they played for 2 hours non stop. And Sammie watched from the stairs wanting to join them but still not sure about "dogs". She still hates me - I was going to take her picture and everytime she sees me she spits at me! Then Mother gave a great hair cut - NO boby can cut my hair like my mother and I told her I owed her $150.00! Of course, she really laughed at that as many times she has cut and colored my hair. She also hemmed my pants, gave me food, some silk poppies, a new pair of sweat pants and as I was leaving my Daddy put a jar of White House Apple Butter in my pocketbook! He knows how much I love it and I thought boy, my purse is heavy then I found it! I fixed Mother's hair and gave her some "product" to go in it. We laughed and giggled and it was so much fun. I just don't know how my life would be without them and I don't want to find out. Now, Tatiana decided to freak out on the way home - she hates the rain and big trucks on the highway and we had both. I've got to figure out a way to tranquilize her! She gets more like Chloe everyday! And Matilda just sleeps through it all! They were both glad to see their Daddy and me too. It's always nice to come home to Kenny. We are going to Columbus and pray we don't get the flu from Pat - he's still sick and the flu is raging around here. Speaking of Chloe, her little "mate" - we picked them up the same day - Mellie has gone to the Rainbow Bridge - she would have been 12 years old on March 5th. She had a wonderful life with her Mom, Debi and brought her so much happiness. We all send out love out to Debi tonight and will always remember Mellie and her wonderful stories. It's back to work tomorrow - I'm just grateful for a wonderful week.

Best of My Day: Kisses from Mother and Daddy....

Off to South Carolina

Going home tomorrow for a little visit with Mother and Daddy. I haven't been since Daddy's big 95th birthday in January so going for a couple of days. We had such a great busy weekend at Beluga and of course I'm tired. And we go to Columbus this weekend to play. But the housekeeper came today and my laundry is done and a casserole made for Kenny so we're set! The girls will be excited to go and the kitty's in SC will live in Terror for 2 days! Actually, we won't even see them because they hide when Tatiana and Matilda hit the door - except old Grey - he pays them no attention at all!
Best of My Day: A clean house and a Casserole!!!

I just had to take this picture - even though the painting is crooked! I thought that Matilda needed and orginal "Mommy" above her little bed so I hung "Doggie Nap" for her! I think she likes it.......

A Cold Winter Day!!!

"Lauren's Straw Hat"

"Joe's Brandy and Cigar"

Wow - the wind blowing and bending the trees as the temperature drops - just what I like except with snow! A few flurries today but that's all and going to be in the 50's tomorrow. So I put on double shirts, sweats, socks and took a heater to my studio and painted! It was a good day and I finished 2 paintings and started another one. I'm painting a Martini for the Cancer Gala in Columbus - it's the contribution from me and Belloo's Martini Bar so it had to be a Martini! I am painting this in honor of Kathy Morrow. Of course, Tatiana was snuggled in the Baby Bed (always when I paint) and Matilda wanted me to go outside and throw her "monkey"!! I kept telling her it was tooooo cold so she would bring it me in the studio for me to throw for her. She finally got tired and got in her little baby bed for a nap and I covered her up with a sweat shirt. We came up around 6 and I made a wonderful chicken corn chowder for dinner - just made up the receipe and it turned out great! Went back to the studio while Kenny went to the gym and did some more work then came up and had a wonderful fire in the fireplace. Before long the fire will be off and the air conditioning on so believe me I'm loving this. My knee is still really bad - not sure how to do this weekend except in PAIN! Tomorrow it's "Root" day as in Dye this Grey Hair out! And I'm trying to figure out a "photo box" for my studio to take still life shots. I have an idea and I have some black velvet so I may work on that tomorrow. I'm into still lifes right now and need to set up my own work. Ooh, I made have to build something in my shop - yeah! Well, here are the paintings.....

Best of My Day: A warm bowl of home made soup by the fire watching American Idol!!

Monday Monday

A song by the Mama's and Papa's - no one may remember it - oh, that makes me feel old - that and the pain in my leg and knee. I've worn a knee brace all weekend and performed in my high heels with the brace on and now I'm paying for it. My whole leg hurts now. Enjoy the dance while you can and kick your legs up high because some day it will hurt like hell! We had a nice weekend in Columbus and got home late Sunday night. Monday's are hard because the weekend hits me and I'm sleepy all day. But I did get all my laundry done and unpacked and my house put back together so that I can paint tomorrow. I even had Pat give me a B-12 shot in the butt so maybe I'll get some energy back. I'm going to get one every 2 weeks when we go to Columbus. Matilda and Tatiana played in the back yard today, then came in and took a nap in the bed - oh, to be a dog!!! There's really no more news so I'm going to bed with my book and read til 4 am!!!

Best of My Day: Cuddling with the girls and almost taking a nap with them except the dryer buzzer went off!!!

A tiny little painting

"Doggie Nap"

6 x 6 Oil on Canvas

I finished this today and I don't know why but I like it! It's only 6 x 6 (inches) and I think I'm going to hang it over the little doggie bed in the living room - after all Tatiana and Matilda need art work where they can view it too. And I'm sure it will inspire them to take a nap! I painted some today - nothing new just worked on in-progress paintings. Then both girls got their baths and grooming done. They look soooo beautiful - for about 5 minutes! I do need to point out something. I really could not sleep last night and finished one book at 2:30am - I made the mistake of starting a James Patterson book (my favorite author) and read the WHOLE book! I finally turned the light out at 6:30 AM! So, yes, I'm tired and I'm not going to do that tonight! I'm packed (almost) for Columbus so have a great weekend to everyone.

Best of My Day: Throwing the squeaky toy in the yard with Tatiana and Matilda Mae!

Wood Worm

Mini Easels for my Art Tiles

My Daddy gave me this name when I got my first saw and drill. I have always enjoyed my woodshop but the painting has kinda taken over the last few years. Well, today I got up, put my overalls on and went down to my shop. I put on my safety glasss (the ones Emma and Andrew gave me with rhinestones on them) and got to work. I wanted to make little easels for my art tiles so I took one apart that I bought for $1.50 and started creating! Of course, I screwed up a couple but finally got it right. Now, my cost is $.50 now not including my time but that's the fun part. They are not perfect either but that is also the art of "home made". It was a very warm day - 73 degrees - and even got a little rain which is always nice. Tatiana stayed downstairs and Matilda kept bringing her squeaky toy in the shop for my to throw. She's not afriad of the saws at all! It was just nice to do something I have missed and love to do. I'm going to make some more then make me 2 more bird feeders because those little stinking squirrels have torn my up! Oh, I like the squirrels too and Tatiana and Matilda love to chase them! So, even though my ankle is still sore, my knee still swollen and I'm always sleepy I had a good day!!!!!

The Best of my Day...Calling my Daddy and telling him about my easels!! Go Wood Worm....

Matilda all better

Me and Spiro

Me and Grayson

Thank goodness, Matilda is on the mend and we are back to normal - whatever that is! She was so sick and it was exhausting for all of us. She's still taking the meds and runs from me now when she hears the bottle open! Kenny saved the day by putting the pills in peanut butter and I just put it in her mouth! And she ate some today too and had a healthy "poo" - now that's a picture! And of course, we had a very busy weekend at Beluga and my knee is swelled up like an old lady - wait I AM an old lady! But the heels looked marvelous - I can never give up the heels! I finally met my email buddies Sprio and Grayson at Beluga - he is going to do a video project and wants me to be included which I an honored to do. They are great and I love having 2 new friends. Of course, by the time we took the pictures - after the second show - I was all sweaty and make up smeared but what the hell - it was a great night! Oh, and Danny Glover was in and I met him too - he's HOT! Hopefully this week will be without so much drama and I can get some painting done! Until then, it's just good to have my girls all well and playing!





Best of my Day: Matilda and Tatiana playing with squeaky toys in the bed!

Bad Scare

When your child is sick and you don't know what is wrong it is the most horrible thing in the world. Matilda and Tatiana are my children. Matilda had a bit of an upset tummy so I gave her some Pepto. I went to do a few errands and when I got back she was sooo sick and had very bad bloody stools. I've never seen anything like this. Of course, it was after hours so Kenny and I had to take her to an emergency vet clinic. They did x-rays and blood work and her vitals were good but so sick. This happened in a matter of 2 hours and they are so tiny and get dehydrated so easy. He thought she had a "bug" and don't know where she got it but he gave her shots and meds. We were going to leave her over night (to the tune of $1000) but then he said I'd have to pick her up by 7am and take her to my vet. I said I'll stay up all night and watch her which I did and could have gotten her back there in 15 minutes. So we left the clinic with only paying $533.00!!!! We brought her home and I went to bed with her. She had a couple more "bouts" but was just worn out. I kept my hand on her to make sure she was breathng and just watched my angel sleep. Tatiana was sweet but we tried to get her to stay with Kenny and she had no part of that. So I read a book and fought sleep and prayed for Matilda. At 7 am we got up and wet to our wonderful vet Dr. Aaron. We got in to see her about 9am and she thought she should stay the day with an IV and more meds. We are so blessed with this vet practice here - they have not taken any new patients since 2006 (that's how good they are) and Dr. Aaron is our favorite. I also noticed that Tatiana was a little sick too so she gave me medicine to give her at home. Of course, I could NOT get one of the pills down her - she fought me like a tiger then hid under the bed. So me and Tatiana (finally out from under the bed) tried to go to sleep after a cup of tea and sleeping pill at 10 am! I sorta slept until 3:30 - got up to go get Matilda. I'm still in a fog! Matilda was better and happy to see me. Oh, she is so sweet. We're all home now and I've split pills - got "liquid" meds for Tatiana and I made breakfast at 7 pm - I would my day has really been screwed up! Now it's time to put the make - up on and go to 2 shows. I'm not quite sure how to do this but I do know I am so thankful to God and Dr. Aaron for saving Matilda. Like I said they ARE my children and I love them with all my heart. Oh, and at our vet Matilda stayed all day on an IV, got meds,got Tatiana meds, got heart guard, dental chews and 2 packs of treats for only $98.00!!!!! That's a good vet! So, $633.00 later I have my angels right beside me and though tired and fuzzy I thank God for my babies. Hope your day was better!

Best of my Day: Matilda coming to my arms with a little smile on her face...