Celebrations and New Beginnings

Yesterday was a day to celebrate freedom and independence in the US.  We joined the tradition of many families across the nation as we had a cook out.  My son was the main chef for the day.

One of the things he created was this fun drink dispenser made out of a real watermelon.  He filled it with a refreshing concoction he made with fresh watermelon juice.  I LOVE watermelon!  He knows the way to his mama's heart.  It was a great day.  The weather brought us tropical humidity and the air was sultry.  But we decided to choose to ignore it and just have fun anyway.  We had the cookout on our huge covered front porch.   I like to call it the veranda, just for the drama and fun of it.   Everybody needs a little drama in their life.

And on the subject of celebrating freedom and independence, I'd like to introduce you to a new Etsy shop KAporcelainware.  This shop specializes in earrings made exclusively in porcelain.  Each unique earring is crafted by hand from the wet porcelain clay to the actual assemblage with the wire findings.

 KAporcelainware  is the creation of Kate and Allison.  Kate is my lovely, bright, and talented daughter.  (Yes, I guess I'm a bit prejudiced here.)  And Allison is her very gifted and innovative friend.  Together they have created this colorful and inviting shop.  I hope you will take a moment to stop by and look around.  Maybe even order some earrings in the color you need for that new outfit you just bought!


Wind and Honey Creations

Opps!

You mean I wasn't supposed to chew up the cat's brand new wool mouse?

Wind and Honey Creations

Panne Kucken

My husband's grandmother and her 3 sister's were Dutch.  When my husband was very little, they would all sit around and talk about the kids in Dutch.  He said they never knew what was being said but every now and then, they would hear their name.  Sounds unsettling to me.

The four sisters - Ella, Nina, Lola, and Ada made lots of great Dutch food for family dinners.  It was rich and it was fattening.  But it was also tasty.  One of our own family favorites is Panne Kucken.  It is kind of like a cross between a quiche and a pancake and a custard.  And now that you are thoroughly confused, here's the recipe.  Most people prefer it served with maple syrup.  But I like it with powdered sugar.  If you notice, it already has quite enough butter.  There is no need to add it to your toppings.  It is also good served with warm peaches!

PANNE KUCKEN

3 eggs

¼ stick butter

¾ C whole wheat or spelt flour

¾ C milk

¾ t honey

1 ½ t vanilla

Melt ¼ stick butter in cast iron skillet.

Beat 3 eggs and add to flour, milk, honey, and vanilla.

Pour in hot skillet and butter.

Bake at 425 degrees for about 20 min.

ENJOY!

Wind and Honey Creations
Creative Pencils - Online Drawing Lessons

Remembering

This weekend is the Memorial Day holiday in the US.  It is when we remember those that have served our country to keep us free, and especially those that have given everything to keep us free.  My brother and sister's father was one of those people.  He never came home from the Korean war and their lives were never the same.  They had their freedom but they didn't have their daddy.  

I want to take this opportunity to thank those of you that have given of yourselves to serve our country.

Dreams of Africa and a Sophisticated Safari

This is a self portrait.  Well, not really.  But I wish it was.  There is just something about Africa that calls to me.  I love Africa, yet I've never been there.  Sophisticated Safari is an original digital collage that has been embellished with pastels.  She has a wistful look as she scans the map of Africa.  Perhaps she is longing for days gone by.  You may find Sophisticated Safai in my shop in 8" x 10" size ready to be framed. 

And since we're on an African theme, I'll share with you once again, my Lion portrait Wild.  The 24" x 36" original hangs in my living room.  But you may purchase an 8" x 10" archival giclee print in my shop.

Starting today and running through the month of June, I'll be donating 10% of all my sales to the Berkeley East Bay Humane Society in West Berkeley, CA. The shelter was destroyed by fire on May 20. They will need much help to rebuild.

A Moose, a Mountain, and a Garden Fairy

Yesterday hubby and I took a day off for a trip exploring the Wichita Mountains.  I know, I know, I know.  If you are from just about anywhere but here, you would not consider these "hills" to be mountains.  But technically they are.  Maybe just barely, but yes, they are mountains.  

I bring this up because I wanted to show you this wonderful moose.  

This is probably the biggest moose you'll see.  I would guess that he was about 15 feet tall.   I thought he was so fun with his crooked legs and wide antlers.  I have a friend from Canada that makes handmade paper using real moose droppings.  Hmmm.   Her name is LizAnnaOnTheLakes.  You might want to check out the beautiful handmade papers in her shop.  I bet this guy would create shiny metalic papers.  

Here is my entry for this week's Collage Play with Crowabout.   Butterfly Fairy is an original collage created digitally.  It brings summer right into your home.  You may purchase it in my etsy shop in 3.5 x 2.5" ACEO size ready to be framed or displayed creatively.

Cat Sitting with Kingsley

I've been at my daughter's for almost a week now.  I'm cat sitting.  I brought all kinds of art supplies with me and thought I'd get a lot of work done.  It hasn't really worked out that way.  I also brought clothes for warm May weather.  But it hasn't worked out that way either.  It has rained daily and is unseasonably cold.

  It has been a good week though.  Kingsley and I have relaxed, watched the rain, gotten to know each other better, shared yogurt, and spent time with old friends.  Well, Kingsley didn't come along for those visits.  But I told him about them.  And possibly the very best thing is I've learned how to roast fresh corn on the cob in the oven.  It is soooo simple!  You just put it in the oven husks and all at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.  That's it!  Can you believe it?!  It tastes wonderful.

Here is my latest Collage Play with Crowabout challenge piece.  I created it digitally and it is for sale in my Etsy shop as an ACEO and in my 1000Markets Shop in 5" x 7" size.  Kingsley helped me design it.  He approves - mostly because it falls within his color theme.