Gypsy Jazz kind of morning.

I came into work early this morning, really too early, but I was up-- so why not. That seems to be the story of my life lately. So with that in mind, I needed a little change up to my usual suspects when it comes to music. Django Reinheardt used to be in the regular cycle of play, and I took it out of rotation. But today in my car, there it was. Staring me right in the face. LOVE HIS MUSIC.

Wonderful guitar, that has deep, soulful, timeless, and melancholy tones. Just listen to "La Mer". Ahh- it makes you wish you were sitting by the fresh open sea air waiting for your love to return. Just beautiful.

Is it hot in here?

It's been one of those strange weather patterns. Hot hot hot! I think it was about 90 degrees yesterday. But it didn't keep us from being inside. In fact, we had already settled on going on a little hike around Burke Lake ( lovely man-made lake in the middle of suburbia). It was beautiful because most of the time we were under the trees. It goes about 5 miles around, and I can't believe my little dog, with little tiny dog legs made it all the way around. It was truly amazing. We all drove home, tired, sweaty, and very thirsty, but it was well worth it, I hear it's going to rain for most of the week later on.

In the meantime-- I guess I'll just have to paint. I actually completed 2 small paintings, and I've started a third. I hope I keep this up. I really want to get through this little sketchbook, because I promised myself that if I did, I would get to pick up some encaustic painting supplies. I love the encaustic paintings I've seen lately, and I really want to try it out.

Here are some AWESOME examples of what other artists have done..... I can't wait to try it myself.

http://www.international-encaustic-artists.org/gallery/gallery_painting.html

You gotta love the internet.

So I'm preparing my students for painting with acrylics, and because everyday we get new students, or kids usually end up missing a demo I thought I'd look for a quick YouTube video. Well, there are some ones that will do... but I couldn't believe one in particular.

I clicked on it because it said "color mixing". She didn't even paint! She was definitely pretty, and wearing a nice slim shirt that showed off her "assets" and talked about mixing paint, but didn't do it. I was like, this can't be real! I almost died laughing because I was sitting there the whole time thinking "ok, when's the painting happening?"

Haha! Oh well, no biggie, just funny.

$10 steal

http://www.middlesisterwines.com/rebel_red.html

I actually am a redheaded middle sister, so this wine only called out to me because of the label. However, it's actually pretty good. I just opened it, had a lovely sip. It's not bad for a blend. Fruity, light bodied....yummy! And only $10!

Our house...it's coming along.

Here's the Dining room. We painted it a nice warm yellow. The curtains are there to hide a hideous door we'll eventually get rid of. There's nice light that comes in from the yards. This part of the house may get larger, if we decide to add on. Who knows what we'll do.

Here's our quaint living room, with the barking Lhotse. I love this room, although we don't sit in it quite so much, because we've moved the tv downstairs to the basement. I just love all the wood, and our books. It's small too, but we plan to enclose the porch next year and make that part of the living room to expand the space. Bigger is better??? I don't know. All these renovations sound a little scary to me.

Here's our completed basement. It turned out nice. We painted it just a neutral white. We're thinking about changing it. But we like it right now. We also bought carpet tiles. HIGHLY recommend them. Easy to assemble, and easy to switch out. It's already come in handy because our bathroom down here and an issue.... not pretty. Luckily we could just pull those few tiles out, and put down new ones. It's cozy down here. This is Lhotse's hang out too, she stays down here at night time....

Pay no attention to the disarray. I rarely go in this tiny room. But it holds our desks and computer....oh... and if you can tell, J's clothes. In his defense, the closet is so-- small. He refers to this room as his "dressing room"... how snooty... I pick on him all the time. ;-)

Our bedroom. It's nice and cozy. I love the shade of blue. It's so relaxing. Our bed is comfy too.


So I left out the bathrooms, laundry room, and kitchen (no one wants to see the kitchen, it's horrible).

I'm sorry it took me so long to post these, but I just haven't been able to put them up.... I can't wait to get pictures of the garden (I'm hoping to get things planted next week)

Enjoying the last few days of spring break. -sigh-

Spring Break!

My first few tulips started to arrive! I love them! They're my favorite. If it warms up a bit, I might have to take some time to sit out there tomorrow to draw them. It's just a little too darn cold!! It doesn't feel like spring! Where's the spring like weather???

Another pic of the tulips. It's so satisfying, especially since I thought the bulbs were eaten by the squirrels...

Today me and a couple of friends made it down to DC to go to the National Gallery. We just walked around the Impressionist rooms and saw a photography exhibit...

R and E checking out a Monet. I like this one too.

Hope every one's having a great week!! Spring Break is just moving too fast! I wish it would slow down just a tad.