Owl & Humming Bird Commissioned Drawing

Final. Colored pencil, paint, and ink on paper.

Working at the table

Painted background

Ink added

First pencil sketch

Concept sketch to see if the client and I were on the same page.

Art Work At The Great Frame Up

A collection of my work is hanging at The Great Frame Up, Centerra Promenade Shops, Loveland CO. Go see it before it comes down at the end of January.

Snow Sculptures in Downtown Loveland

In December Engaging Loveland put on "Sculpture in the Dark" where five teams worked to create snow sculptures.  The warm weather and Colorado sun made it challenging conditions for the snow sculptors. In the end, some amazing sculptures were created only to be torn down for business to occur as normal on Monday.

Special K Loaf on the Menu

For supper tonight I made a Seventh Day Adventist staple: Special K Loaf.  When I mention this I usually get the wrinkled facial expression that's followed with, what?!  That's right.  The spot on the plate that's usually reserved for steak is replaced with this odd (but super tasty) cottage cheese loaf.  I was raised on this stuff.  It's one of my favorite comfort foods. 

Here's my Mother-In-Law's recipe.

Special K Loaf

1 Large Onion Chopped (I love onions so I usually add 1 and a half or 2 small onions)
1/4 Cup Oil
5 Beaten Eggs
4 Cups of Cottage Cheese
1 Cup Chopped Walnuts
4 Cups of Special K Cereal
1 1/2 Tablespoon of Beef Seasoning

Mix well in a large bowl. Place mixture in a greased 2 quart casserole, 9x13 Pyrex, or loaf pan and Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

You'll love it!

Social Media Detox

Photo by: Gordon Plant

Hi Friends,

I've decided to detox from social media the rest of December. I'm sure with all the holiday hustle 'n' bustle nobody will even notice. But for my special blog friends, you are different. I'm promising you new work on the blog in 2011. I'm hoping I'll have gotten a good start on a new series--maybe paintings?...maybe not...could be another medium? I don't know what this time will bring. So, I'm off, retreating to my special studio space. I'll blog with you again in the New Year. Happy Holidays.

Peace & Love,
Angela

Thank You!

Still, in 2010, I am abundantly rich with blessings to be thankful for ( in no particular order )...

1) Supportive family and friends.
2) My revitalized attitude towards health, exercise, and nutrition.
3) Collectors of my work.
4) Discovering what I am passionate about and learning more about myself so that I can put it on canvas.
5) Incredibly convenient and affordable studio space.
6) Being able to do what I love.
7) Lastly and most important, my amazing husband.

I hope you have a wonderful holiday.  Thank you, as always, for reading.

Diapers for Triplets

Photo by: Funky Shapes'

Yesterday I received a email from my mother-in-law, Trudy, it's a request for triplets' diapers. She writes: 

"Dear Friends and Family,

Some weeks ago as Andrew and I were leaving his doctor's office I met a nice lady toting 3 beautiful identical triplet girls - quite a handful !  I admired them as we walked by but as I was climbing into the car I was impressed to go back and speak further with her.  I discovered that she was the grandmother and the guardian and that the babies were nearly 10 months old.  They received assistance for formula and were well fed and growing.   Furthering questioning revealed that  in spite of county assistance, keeping up with their needs was a tremendous challenge for this grandmother.  "Although I don't have a lot, I'd like to help in some way," I said.

 "The Lord must have sent you!" was her response.  I discovered that many people had helped at first and provided plenty of summer clothing, but now as it grew colder they had nearly nothing warmer to wear for the winter months.  Someone had recently provided two snowsuits, another person had sent a coat but it had no pants.  They would still need mittens, hats, and daily outfits with legs and long sleeves.

However, their greatest need was for diapers .   At ten months, the babies use about 10 diapers per day.  Do the math and we are talking about 900 diapers per month!  That is 3 large boxes of diapers per baby or 9 large boxes of diapers for all three babies per month!  They are wearing the size 3 diapers for babies 16-28 lbs.  Walmart sells that size online, Parent's Choice seemed the best buy,  in a large box of 96 diapers, delivered free to your door for $13.97 or 3 boxes for $41.91.    For $125.73 we could provide a month's worth of diapers.  I'd like to take her two months worth or 18 large boxes.  With my daughter Rachel's help we have 5 boxes right now.  I need 13 more.  Would you like to help me?

If you feel able, perhaps you and two friends could purchase 3 clothing outfits in a size 9-12 months.  I'm going to go shopping this week and get the first set of three sleepers.  Also,if you know of anyone who would be willing to donate girls clothing that their baby has outgrown, we could add that, too.  Wouldn't hurt to include some toys, either!  Maybe I can also think of something nice for the grandmother who has taken on this trifecta challenge.   A nice scarf, some holiday treats.  Any suggestions?

Times are tight, I know.  May the Lord richly bless and multiply your resources as you share whatever you are able...

Love, Trudy"

If you'd like to help, please contact her via email at, teachertrudy(at)hotmail(dot)com.