Artful Journey

I saw Beauty and the Beast at the Cinema last week. I am not normally a movie goer, preferring to wait until it makes it to the TV, so the pull has to be pretty strong.  Granted, I watched the original and listened to the score more times than I can count. We loved it so much that my three kids and I dressed up in maids' costumes and staged our own performance of Be Our Guest(for an audience of one). Always a flair for the dramatic here! So you can guess it didn't take much to say YES to the invitation. This proved to be a great decision. It's hard to decide which was better the movie or the company..Both excellent! Belle is my absolute favorite Disney character...what's not to love about a girl who loves books? Won't list any spoilers here, but they have literally fleshed out her character, and added to her appeal. Her love of books, libraries, the desire to share her love of reading all came through loud and clear. May this inspire a whole new generation of book...

Every mug tells a story, and sometimes it's nice to sit back and have a mug and reminisce. Last night I was watching the NCAA basketball finals, and thinking back on all the the sports I have watched over the years while my kids were playing. The NCAA finals always remind me of the discipline, hard work, determination, talent, commitment, and fun it takes to get to that level. Of all sports, I feel like rugby is my favorite...but that is easy to say..now. Fi played rugby throughout college, making it to the nationals and being named All American in her senior year.  She earned it with bumps and bruises, tears and triumphs, giving it her all every game. Tea and Tabasco One of my favorite memories, is driving from Boston to Central Florida overnight to see her team play in the Sweet 16. My husband, son and I took turns driving so we could make it with no stopping.  I am not a big fan of driving, so I got the graveyard shift...perfect, not much traffic between 12 and 4 ...

Yay! Today was certainly a red letter day for me! For a red letter day is anything day that is presently is  notable or memorable. And while today was going along in a ho hum sort of way, my mail slot opened...and lo and behold, what did I find? Count them 1,2,3 no wait, 4 envelope exchanges. Oh but that was not enough, a piece of mail that I had been waiting on! Here's the boodle! All the mail was great.I especially love this envelope, but then I am a sucker for color! And those stamps, such a great combination. My window woodland fairy has found a new garden. I saw a technique on TPK blog, using tape to mask off areas and watercolor around it. Mail me some art had a challenge using washi tape, so it gave me a chance to combine the two, I don't think I will have it out in time for the exchange, but maybe it will show up in your mailbox. Washi and watercolor greetings I am happy that CJ got me started on the Pushing the Envelope Exchange.  It certainly has made Mo...

Usually my family refers to me as Annie Upper or Pollyanna. They love to tell me that I think it's all sunshine and roses. I must admit I am a glass full type of person. Yesterday was one of those days, where someone took my glass of water, spit in it, and then smashed it to the floor. Now, I am also a person who wears my ❤️ on my sleeve, and a poker face is something I will never master. Well, alarm bells went out that Mom seems sad. Daisies are such a happy flower. It wasn't too long before my son showed up with a bouquet of  flowers as a pick me up.  Last night, Fi and Nish took me to Beauty and the Beast, totally a mood lifter. That inspired my instagram post today. Beauty and the Beast. Art makes me happy! Today, Onz called from London, saying we needed to do an exercise video together on what's app. I followed that up with one of my favorite treats, a Russell Stover whipped strawberry egg. A walk with a good friend, who had an extra recycle barrel...

T stands for tea...no matter what you might hear about the Irish, the real beverage of choice is Tea! Growing up in an Irish household left absolutely no question about the limitless powers of a cup of tea. If you were in Ireland, the choice was Barry's or Punjama, here in America, Lipton tea was the only option. The first question upon entering the house was, will you have a cup of tea? Mind you, the kettle was on before you had a chance to answer. Tea Caddy I painted for mom and dad. And with the tea came conversation and laughs, and a mental challenge, checkers or some other board game, or maybe cards (25 or gin rummy), suduko, or a crossword puzzle.  I learned early that there was a competitive streak running through my family.  We took no prisoners, and my parents were the most ruthless of all. Simple pleasures shared, and my mom's favorite mug. A sharp pencil was always close at hand. We were in it to win it.  Today I will tell you I hold a silver medal,...

Ever since I was little, I loved mail, and this is something I have passed on to the next generation. There is always a mad rush to the door when we hear the mail slot click open. There is something exciting about the possibilities of what will be waiting when you pick up that pile of mail. Sometimes the best it has to offer is a catalog to peruse, but other times, Joy! an actual handwritten note. This was a really fun one I received from Janet as part of the Pushing the Envelope exchange.  I placed a Dove chocolate on the envelope, something else I love, that is also meant to be savored and enjoyed. Like the Dove wrapper, you open it, and there is a message. In addition to getting mail, I found out a little of the history of triangle letters. In WWII, Russian soldiers sent triangle letters and they were delivered anywhere in Russia for free. Pretty cool. Janet has also visited the Clark Museum in western Massachusetts.  I have added that to my bucket list! Janet's Triangle...

Happy Birthday Card It's been a while since I have made a card. Matchthesketch.blogspot.com has a weekly challenge, and Pushing the envelope exchange included birthdates in the March swap. Viola, the perfect opportunity to combine the two. in the mail. Now to eat some cake! Always a good idea.