Simple Pleasures

On a stroll the other day, Jonathan and I enjoyed nature's simple pleasures

The brightest color, on the smallest of creatures.

How what seems ordinary, can be so beautiful

And captivate your imagination

The way the sun will transform a trail, into a dreamland

The happy communities around us!

Even the odd things in this world are full of fun-filled wonder

Soaking up the spring warmth

And basking in the sun!

Isn't God good?!  Walks are always refreshing. Be blessed today!

Today I am linking with:
"Craft Edition"
"Silly Little Sparrow"
"Twee Poppets"
"Sew Chatty"

New Landscapes

WOW!!!  What a beautiful day it is today! The sun is bright and warm, and the wind gives just a soft chill to the air. Jonathan has been outside cleaning up our back porch and garage. And I have been soaking up some free time.

After re-doing my dining room walls last week, we have done some further updates, with new framed landscapes of Jonathan's. Enjoy!

 Here's some landscapes framed in gold.

 I placed them above a seating chair in my Living Room, one above the other.

(Please excuse the mess;)

 Then we have a series of natural wood frames:

 These I put in the little alcove that leads to the bedrooms:

Yes, she's still determined to be in all the pictures! What a poser ;)

Then two smaller 8x10" paintings which are added to the walls in my dining room:

 And I exchanged the large "Clifftops" painting above my buffet, for this new one, since the previous one has been juried into a show at the end of this month!

 

That's all folks! Thanks for visiting. Also, please visit these link parties, and the "Welcome Wednesday" Party!

Linking with  Lisa at "Coastal Charm", 
Fireflies and Jelly Beans ,
Paisley Passions,
House of Hepworths
Someday Crafts,
Blue Cricket Design,


and at the "Trendy TreeHouse"

Spaghetti Squash

I was introduced to Spaghetti Squash through my mother-in-law Amy. And I was shocked at how good it was! It wasn't lacking in the flavors one looks forward to with spaghetti, to me it made it even better! So, for those going "glutton-free", here is an EASY recipe!

Spaghetti Squash: you can find this in most local grocery stores, I bought mine at Kroger.

 You can bake, boil, or microwave your Squash, but I took the easiest route, and microwaved mine for approximately 15 minutes. Give it about 4 minutes per pound depending on your microwave. You will have to scoop the seeds out when you cut it open, then simply scoop the rest of the contents out into a bowl, like this:

This is after most of it's contents had already been eaten.

It's a nice, crispy, fresh texture after it is cooked.

My sauce is simple:

  Ground beef, Tomato Sauce, Onions, Mushrooms, with some Italians Spices (Basil, Thyme, etc...)

Pour it on top of your noodles, add some Parmesian Cheese, and enjoy!

A super healthy, extremely satisfying meal.

Today I am linking to:

"Hope Studios"
"Today's Creative Blog"
and "Sew Chatty"

Caught By the Light

Blues, whites, light-vintage, spring colors... All of these are so refreshing, so freeing! I love this painting for it's color!

A Busy Week

Many busy days are ahead! I have meetings with interior designers who want to use Jonathan's artwork for their designs. I have meetings with other interior design stores, all showing interest in Jonathan's work. I am believing God for abundant favor.

My walls are filled with art, all for sale, all beautiful, and though I wish I could keep them all, the fun thing is in a little while I will have all new works of art hanging in my home. It sure keeps a girl busy, when it requires a room to suite a painting! ;)

On top of all these meetings, we have the pleasure of hosting a good friend from California for the next few days. So please forgive me if there is a lack of posts this week, rest assured I will have plenty to share later!

(This week I am finally making glutton-free "Spaghetti Squash" something I have been DYING to try, I will share my results with you later.)

Still Standing

It must be nearly 80 today. SO beautiful! Hubby and I took a 2 hour lunch break, away from all the demands of work, and walked the Greenway for a few miles. Amber enjoyed herself thoroughly, and fell to the floor in a white fluffy heap, asleep the moment we got home! You know you did well when the hyper puppy is tired out.

We got some lovely river photos, field scenes, all for future painting references... But they reminded me much of this painting:

"Still Standing" a 24x36 original oil on canvas

I love the title of this painting, "Still Standing". It's amazing how beautiful age becomes...Something/someone, established, with years of history and stories, so many of them which are visible by the markings left behind... It is what makes beauty, beautiful! I love it!

Linking to: