Happy New Year~

~Happy New Year~

May 2011 bring good health, much happiness and many memories in the making.

***

Love~ Debra

Merry Christmas

~Happy Holidays My Sweet Friends~

***

May 2011 bring each one of you good health and special memories.

I am hoping to be back in the New Year, but for now~ I wish each and every one of you a wonderful, warm and loving holiday.

With Love,

Debra

***

Happy Autumn~

~Autumn~

~*~
You have only to disappear for a short while when you find out that your friends really do miss you~
Thank you for the very thoughtful emails, notes and telephone calls.
I am here.
Just rearranging a few things and getting back into the swing of things.
Love to you~

Debra

Image:

dreamsicle day

Properly Prepped

~True Prep~

By~Lisa Birnbach

with Chip Kidd

The highly coveted and anticipated TRUE PREP is finally out!

A light, fun read. It's been such a great summer, it's hard to let go.

This will help usher in Autumn, along with a few new things to update my inner prep!

What are you reading... just for fun?

Image: True Prep

Labor Day Tag Sale

One Man's Trash, is Another Man's Treasure...

{Pup not included}

~*~

On Monday I had a tag sale. I spent a few days going through storage boxes in my basement- wanting to do one last purge! And purge I did.

I now have lots of empty space, clear shelving and very few odds and ends taking up space in my basement~ ahhhh!

I love simplicity!

~*~

That was how I spent my Labor Day- how about you?

Image:

Courtesy of Country Living

Sweet September~

Ohhh... Hello my friends.

It's been well over a month since my last post.

It was a full month of kids camp, a few summer escapes, completing several commissions and relaxing and enjoying the waning days of summer.

~*~

It was all wonderful~ but I did miss you and will be back here next week- right after Labor Day.

~*~

A Happy and Safe holiday weekend to you.

Image~Dreamsicle Day

Summer Reading

~Same Kind of Different As me~

by~ Ron Hall and Denver Moore

~*~

Have you read this book? I haven't, not yet.

It was a gift from a very good friend. Last week while she was on vacation she read it and says, it has changed her life.

My friend stopped by on Saturday evening and handed me a copy. Apparently she bought every copy at a local independent bookshop and then went to our Barnes and Noble and bought every copy they had. She then returned to the little bookshop and ordered several dozen copies.

In August she is celebrating a special birthday and has decided to gift a copy of Same Kind of Different As me to each guest attending her birthday party!

~*~

I'm looking forward to settling in with this book.

Later this week we will be flying to North Carolina to visit my Father-in-law.

I anticipate many hours of reading, relaxing, walking and enjoying the company of my sweet Father-in-law.

I'm still catching up on illustrations that have deadlines quickly approaching, and my stack of summer reads is getting taller each week.

So many books... so little time!

If you've read this book, I'd love to know your thoughts.

Images: Same Kind of Different As me- website and Here

A Mid-Summer Break

~Thinking of you~

Enjoy each day~ summer is passing quickly.

~*~

For those special friends in the southern hemisphere~ curl up by a warm fire with a mug of something warm.

A Little Time-Out~

I've been spending a lot of time with these......

When I sit at my drawing table I do a lot of daydreaming...
like......

The five beautiful walking villages of the Cinque Terre along the Italian Riviera.

More Information here.


The Cinque Terre is one of the most beautiful places I have visited.
I'm thinking of my first visit to this gorgeous spot when it was early in July, really warm, the water so blue, the bougainvillea so profuse, the wine refreshing and cold.
***
I will be taking a bit of a blogging break, a 'time-out' to catch up on several painting projects.
Summer here in the northeast is short and between painting, some gardening, my Pilate's classes~ the days feel very short and they are passing too quickly.

It was such a difficult decision because catching up with all of you is such an important part of my day. I really won't be gone all that long, so please check back with me when you can or keep in touch via email.

I will miss you and don't be surprised to see a comment here and there.

***

Sending Prayers to this very special family.

Images:
Top-google search
Cinque Terre Website

Wyeth's Maine

~Andrew Wyeth~

July 12, 1917 ~ January 16, 2009

{Image~ Peter Ralston}

~On The Edge~

On Monday I visited the Farnsworth Museum in Rockland, Maine.

What a gift.

I am a fan of the works of the late Andrew Wyeth.

I have been for years. Just out of high school I started collecting Wyeth prints and having them matted and framed.

Fast-forward several years... I became the gardener on an estate here in central Maine. One of the owners was a gallery owner in New York City. He was a friend of Andrew Wyeth and held the exclusive for Wyeths at his gallery.

Occasionally Andrew Wyeth and his wife Betsy would visit the estate. One particular August the famed artist was due to arrive for a weekend visit. I knew well of this pending visit- I arranged the flowers for the guestroom that the Wyeth's would have for the weekend.


~Nicholas~

On that Saturday morning I made a quick trip down to the greenhouses to do some light watering and venting of the beautiful glass greenhouses. As I was driving up the lane to my home, also part of the family property, I saw an imposing figure walking along. I knew just who it was. Worn, baggy khaki pants, very faded navy canvas shoes and an old comfy navy cotton sweater- it was him. I pulled into my driveway and dashed inside. I went from window to window trying to catch the best view of the well known artist.
He made his way to the horses right across from my cottage.
I could see him gently clapping his hands to get their attention.

***

I took a deep breath, threw on a crisp white shirt, tossed a brush through my hair and nonchalantly walked outside of my cottage to where Mr. Wyeth was leaning against a newly painted white fence talking with a couple of the horses.

With the blush of a young woman I told him that I was a fan of his work. He was gentle~ he took my hand and put his other hand on my right shoulder. He was very complimentary of the gardens that I tended for the family and asked several questions about the horses and the greenhouses. He seemed more interested in the work that I was doing then talking about himself or his work.

It was a short but substantial introduction.

It made my summer.

This man was a gift to Maine and to art.
***
If you are in Maine or have the chance to
visit the Farnsworth Museum
it will be an afternoon well spent.
***
The Farnsworth Museum
16 Museum Street
Rockland, Maine
04841
207-596-6457

~Rockland, Maine~

Images:
Thank you to Peter Ralston {top} http://www.pralston.com/
Others are mine own

July 4th~ 2010

~Happy July 4th Weekend~

***

My favorite holiday of them all!

Have fun and be safe.

***

~Happy Birthday United States of America~

image:

Country Living

Quote of the day...

...and this is just what makes summer so darn fabulous!!!

You can stay in your jammie bottoms all day long...and no body even has to know.

Not that I'm doing this.......I'm just saying.......

Summer Sundays

~ Sunday ~

Today we will be off on a jaunt with a special little girl.

Mackworth Island~Portland, ME

***

First, we will read this delightful book.

~Fairy Houses~

by Tracy Kane

Then a quick stop for this...

Then to Mackworth Island to visit all of the Fairy Houses and the Pet Cemetery.

I'll be taking plenty of photos.

And return with a full report.

Later this evening, a light strawberry salad for dinner...

...and our evening will end with this~

and a very tired little girl crawling into bed after a fun filled day on the coast of Maine visiting Fairy Houses~ what could be more fun for a little girl of five?

Images:

Google

flickr

my own

Happy Birthday JD

~ Mom and Jonathan ~

Happy Birthday to my wonderful son Jonathan.

I remember this autumn day as if it were just yesterday.

You are so loved and I am proud of the man, husband and Father you have become.

***

Love,

Mom

Tonight we celebrate!

Image:

My own

Loveliness from Mimi Charmante

The lovely and oh so chic Kimberly, creator of the fabulous blog, Mimi Charmante~ recently held a giveaway. I was the beyond lucky winner! I have been a follower and fan of 'Mimi's' blog for as long as I've had my own blog.

This beautiful Mom of four sons {instant Sainthood} is a talented photographer, as you can see here with my new prints!

She also knows her way around dressing up a lovely home.

If you haven't, please visit here and then cruise around until you find some interior shots of this family home!

This past April she went back to France with friends and was able to connect with a very special blog buddy. Lucky for us, when she returned~ Kimberly shared her adventures {and there were some adventures} with us. I dread the day that she has exhausted the gorgeous photos and stories of her wonderful trip!

~*~

This incredible parcel arrived on Thursday. Three of Kimberly's beautiful prints of her trip, and a few of her cupcake notes! Now I want her real thing- can those be sent across the country Kimberly???

I'm heading out Saturday to look for some vintage frames for my prints and know just where they will hang.

There was a little package of French verse confetti and a couple of her lovely business and calling cards. Which I will add to my ever-growing collection of special cards!

Thank you my sweet friend~

You definitely took the sting out of a busy week.

~Now..... back to those cupcakes..."

~Mimi Charmante~

Images:

My images of Kimberly's Photographs

We have a special winner~

~Sharon's snow house~

One of my many favorite blogs is My French Country House.

Sharon lives in France with her family in this beautiful country home!

I especially love this image of Sharon's home in the winter with a blanket of fresh snow.

~A glimpse of Sharon's garden~

It's funny~ after reading Sharon's blog a few times I became a follower. Then I added My French Country Home to my blog roll.

And it disappeared!

{There really are times that I don't know what happens with blogger. Everything goes along beautifully and then something disappears or you can't download an image...and sometimes you can even post. But we love you just the same!}

~Outside of Sharon's home~

So I added her to my blog roll again! And...again it disappeared!
You can't make this up! Gone...not once but twice!
***
I do hope she's here to stay now!
***
So, when I had a special someone draw the winning name for my Lifescape giveaway~
I was thrilled when it was Sharon from
My French Country House!

~I could stare at this view forever~
~*~
Sharon, I will be emailing you a questionnaire to fill out so I can get started on your special Lifescape.
Congratulations!
I'm looking forward to illustrating this for you!
***
A huge Thank~You to all of you that entered my giveaway and to those of you that mentioned it in you posts.

Images:
via My French Country House

Summer Sundays and a Special Birthday~

~Happy Fifth Birthday~

To a very special Water Baby

While having my coffee early this morning, I dropped in on Jeanne.

She was sharing her first Summer Sunday with us!

She got the idea from The Tablescaper {see link below to go visit, if you haven't already}.

What a genius idea for the busy weekend! Find or photograph images that mean summer to you. Not much text needed, so you can get on with fun summer activities!

Here are a few things that mean summer to me!

A seaside cottage, windows open, a light breeze~ just right for curling up with a good book or a short nap!


This beautiful porch~ gleaming floor, white furnishings, bright bouquets of summer flowers, another good book and some lemonade nearby!


And of course, a few great lobster dinners-paired with heirloom tomatoes and some fresh picked then roasted corn!


Long walks along my favorite beach...

~and lots of herbs, plucked from my garden, then creating a delicious dinner around them.


Be sure to visit:

http://thetablescaper.blogspot.com/

Add the Summer Sunday button and tell us a few of your Summer Sunday favorites!

My giveaway will close tonight at midnight- and I will announce the winner-chosen randomly, Monday morning.

For your chance to win your own personal Lifescape watercolor!

Images:

My own and google search

Quinoa~ {Keen-wah}

~Quinoa Salad~

Last night I made a delicious quinoa salad.

Diced red onion, yellow and orange peppers and cucumbers.

Add lots of fresh sliced strawberries, chopped raw almonds and some grape tomatoes.

A drizzle of ginger dressing and you have a healthy, light meal.
I also added lots of fresh chopped herbs~ parsley, dill, basil, tarragon and chives!

Sorry- my camera batteries were dead- so I got this image online. My salad looked so much better than this. It really did! This one appears to have some diced chicken in it which would also be a good source of protein.

~Quinoa~

Read about the benefits of quinoa here.

Quinoa~ {pronounced Keen-wah}



Not a grain- actually it's a seed. Related to the spinach family.
Quinoa has a wonderfully nutty flavor that is very versatile.
It is a great source of protein and fiber and contains the essential amino acids.
It's high in calcium, potassium, iron and zinc among other important nutrients.
It really is a 'complete food'.
***
I don't follow a recipe for this type of salad. I use whatever I have in my refrigerator- but the fresh strawberries really add something special.

I always make extra quinoa to have on hand. It's works well in soups and stews and I spoon it onto leftover veggies for breakfast...
So, if you haven't tried quinoa- head to your health food store and pick some up.

Rinse the seeds with cold water and let it come to a slow boil then reduce it to a simmer for about 13 minutes.

I used 1 cup of quinoa to 2 1/4 cups water.

A light rinse under cool water and it's ready to use.

Give quinoa a try- I think you'll like it!

***
Don't forget... my giveaway closes this Sunday~ June 13th!

Read all about it here!



Image:
google salad search

Stand Tall~

My Mother was a stickler for good posture! Growing up she was constantly reminding my sister and I of the importance of good posture...shoulders back-standing tall.

Early ballet classes helped to drive that plea home. After years of seeing a fabulous chiropractor and the reminders of my dear Mother- I know and FEEL the importance of keeping the shoulders back and opening up my spine.
I start private Pilates sessions next week and am very excited to be starting something new and challenging.
After several private sessions I'm sure I will feel comfortable joining the classes-but for now, I'm looking forward to having this time all to myself.
***
Did I mention that standing tall with good straight posture also takes pounds off our appearance? Just one of the few benefits of standing tall.
***

If you haven't already, please check out my GIVEAWAY here.


Images:
Google search and my file

Thanks Jeanne... and a Giveaway!

~ Jeanne ~

What is any better than blatant self promotion? When a good friend is taken with your illustrations and creates a post about them!

My sweet and gorgeous friend Jeanne posted about my Lifescapes here.

***

If you haven't visited Jeanne ~ please do so now.

I am lucky to be a co-conspirator with her fabulous brain-child

The B-Well Report.

Please come visit us there also and make it part of your daily blog visits. We are treading our way to better overall health and well-being. We would love to hear from you.

***

It amazes and thrills me daily that we meet and connect with such wonderful people through blogging. I just know that I will meet some of you in person one day.

To celebrate the summer, good friends and what blogging has meant to me, I am holding a giveaway!

***

My gift to you will be a personal 11" X 14" Lifescape.

All you have to do is visit Jeanne at Collage for Life. Leave her a comment and then come back to me and tell me what your Lifescape would include and become a follower.

~Would you want a Lifescape about your life?

~A special surprise gift for a friend or relative?

~Would it contain all of the memories of a special holiday or vacation?

You get to chose~ it's your Lifescape!

Read all about Lifescapes here:

http://collageoflife-henrqs.blogspot.com/2010/06/loving-lifescapes.html.

Thanks Jeanne~

This giveaway will close on Sunday June 13 and the winner chosen randomly.

P.S..... If you mention my giveaway on your blog, you will receive an extra entry.

Bend and stretch...reach for the stars***

~Yoga~

~ Pilates~
***
I am enrolling in Yoga and Pilates classes to strengthen my back and overall core and well-being.
I have taken yoga classes in the past and loved them- loved the flexibility, enjoyed the peacefulness of the classes... a mind cleanse if you will~ and how strong I felt.

I have never taken pilates before and I'm looking forward to it.
I will give them both some time, space out the classes and see which one I want to
become more involved with.
***
I would love to know your thoughts on pilates~ I'm there for the yoga classes, but pilates~ I'm not so familiar.
***

Images:

webstarter

Memorial Weekend~

***
***

***

Beacon Hill- Boston

***

Memorial Weekend

There is something about the cobbled streets, the quaint brick townhouses of Beacon Hill in Boston.

The way they proudly fly the Stars and Stripes.

***

For those that have given the ultimate for our freedom and those that are still fighting~

We give Thanks.

Images:

Beacon Hill Homes

google search