God Jul...to one and all...

wishing you ALL...especially our 650 + FABULOUS readers...a very MERRY,HEALTHY and FESTIVE Christmas...
God Jul is Danish for Happy Christmas...and I wanted to see it every morning leading up to Christmas...so why not plaster it all over the lawn(in the snow).

This year I let them just have fun...go for it...and they did.

The cousins have been having such fun...I know little miss A and Little Miss J will miss Little miss O SO much when we have to go.

Can you believe it'll be 3 weeks that we're here already!!!

Well, my kind friends...may you enjoy time with family over the next few days....

We Celebrate tomorrow...the Scandi way:

Wake up to fresh coffee(very Strong) and croissants and Danish pastries.

Kids open their stockings...

Walk through the Farm to the Christmas Tree plantation(which was planted 20 years ago)

Choose a tree...(not always and easy task...my bro is very competitive!)

Bring it home...put it up...

Have a drink outside...yes a drink at 10am...(to warm your inners)

Decorate the tree.

Put Goose in BBQ because oven keeps blowing circuit

Decorate some more tree.

Set the table...have a snack for lunch.

Siesta time...

Wake up and help Mum in the kitchen

EAT...Goose, caramelized potatoes, peas, brussels,red cabbage and carrots.

Followed by Rice pudding with almonds..the Scandi way...(Mum hides a whole almond amongst lots of chopped ones...and whoever finds it wins the Almond prize!)

Resort to sit SOFT and open gifts...we only do gifts for the kids now...

and to bed!

I will definitely post pics in the next couple of days...

HUGS & best wishes to you ALL.

Char,ON

Weekend wonderland...

Snow sitting waiting for the Sun to melt it...although little does it know that the Sun is not rising over the hedge until probably the New Year...this was one of the coldest and brightest days since arriving in the UK...I think that the snow had a HUGE part to play with it being the brightest.

crisp white snow...untouched, untrodden...the Sun is low...the shadows long...

Happy 65th Dad!

I think our little girls and niece enjoyed the fact that it was a birthday more than anyone...these are images I treasure in my heart and mind.

We had finished a wonderful Lobster with salad dinner...and Champagne for drinks...no-one switched to red or white wine...

Ended the dinner with Birthday Cake...actually the same one that I made earlier in the week...cooked it for 10 minutes less...and it was divine with honeycomb vanilla ice-cream.

I opened my moleskin today(yes it's green) and sketched Little Miss A...must get my eyes or my camera checked out because I am noticing a slant to the right with many of the drawings I photograph...or perhaps I just need to wear my glasses?...lol...

my parents live in a Log House...and the heating is all under-floor heating...I can not tell you how cozy BUT how dry it is...this is my hand...dry and looking rather warn.

I was wondering (as you do)...because I have only noticed this on a few people and they are usually either artists or do something creative in their lives...

Look at your hand...is your index finger substantially longer than your ring finger? And does this mean anything?

Have a wonderful weekend.

HUGS

Char,On.

P.S. Tam, thanks again for coming down last week...did you get home ok?

Freezing Friday shocker!

This is what we woke up to this morning...and this is one of those surprise photos which you look back and say "how did this happen".

The girls are walking through a gated area...but I think it looks like a scene through to a magical land...like Narnia.

The frame of the gate cuts the trees in the distance so you don't see the tops, I love this picture.

Today was my Dad's Birthday...I will post more pictures tomorrow(this computer is just SO slow and it's nearly 1am)...we just finished celebrating. It's wonderful to be here with my family...and especially to be close to my Dad who is not 100% yet.

He looks better...and has a bit more energy...but still gets tired quickly.

He has his pre-op on Jan 7th and we're still waiting for his biopsy results...why does it take so long to get he results?

Thank you all for sticking by me...your comments keep my strength up...

On Monday my husband arrives and I know he has missed us...but I have missed him dearly too...he inspires and keeps me thinking about business...he's my rock he's my ear to be able to tell him everything.I can't wait to see him...I can't remember the last time I was away from him for SO long.

Please pass by tomorrow and see the photos...I have some amazing snow pics...it was the perfect day.

HUGS.

Char,On

Danish apple and prune cake...

it's been a really Scandi day today....just got back from Ikea...having bought some frames(for xmas pressies to go inside!), Swedish chocolate(yum),and a few little gifts for the girls...so cute!
Ikea is SUCH a great place for stocking fillers AND breakfast...hot plate of bacon,beans,hash brown and scrambled egg...1 British pound(no wonder the line-up was ridiculously long)! BRILLIANT!...a definite must...because it's hard to shop on an empty stomach.
So...this is the Danish Cake which I made for Melody's evening out the other day...
VERY simple...and absolutely deeeeeeelish...
Try it and tell me what you think. I think it's the perfect coffee cake for an afternoon with friends.

Here's the recipe...I got it out of one of my Mum's collections of recipes(she loves to collect...so funny,I could sit for hours going through her cupboards and drawers and never get board!).

DANISH APPLE & PRUNE CAKE

For the Batter:
140g butter
200g caster sugar
2 eggs, well beaten
85g self-raising flour
115g ground almonds
125ml milk
1 tsp vanilla essence
1 tbsp boiling water
1/2 tsp baking powder

Other ingredients:
8 stoned prunes,chopped
115g shelled walnuts(I used hazelnuts)
2 tbsp sugar
2 green apples cored and sliced
3 tbsp sugar
ground cinnamon
butter

Cream together all the ingredients for the batter in a food processor, running it for 10 seconds. Run a spatula round the bowl and process for another 5 seconds. pour into a well buttered 10inch/25cm round cake tin.

Place the prunes on the batter. Spoon over the walnut and sugar mixture. Arrange the apple slices on top of the nuts.
Bake in a preheated oven at 190 degrees C/375 degrees F for 45 mins.

Sprinkle the surface with sugar and some cinnamon. Dot with butter and bake for another 20-25 mins until a skewer runs clean(I think I kept mine in for 10 minutes too long...waiting for the skewer to run clean...but I think the cake needs to be slightly gooey, I suppose it's a personal choice though)...cool in the tin, and ENJOY!

Hope you like it...you really don't even notice that there are prunes in it...I loved it.
Until tomorrow.
Char,On

it felt like yesterday...

It was wonderful seeing all the girls last night...they were all pleasantly surprised by their watercolours.
The above duck was for Chloe's little Lola...who is coming up to 7 months.It was Chloe's Birthday yesterday too...HAPPY BIRTHDAY Chloe.

This one was for Leesa, she IS probably THE funniest girl alive...she could be a stand up comedian!

Harriet the cat...who really didn't look like Mel's Harriet...but wasn't really too upset about it...as Harriet is old and leaves lovely treats for Melody around the house.

Melody made a wonderful dinner...stuffed chicken wrapped with bacon and stuffed with Camembert Cheese...with potatoes and a fresh bean salad. YUM!!!

and last but not least, Elly's Elephant...Elly the traveller...

They hadn't changed and 9 years went surprisingly fast, but felt like yesterday!

Hope to see them all before I go back to the COLD Country...apparently my man said that it had snowed 6 inches...

How's the weather where you are?

Char,On

4 sketches...4 friends...

I am currently as I write working on these 4 watercolours who are for 4 very special girlie friends of mine who I grew up with over here in England...I do keep in touch with Mel...a brilliant singer,trained in Operatics ...we met at college,both studying History of Art...I could tell you our whole story, but will leave some surprise for when I reveal the painted watercolour. Which is for her? Well, here's a hint...she recently got married to a wonderful and very talented Viola player.

Oh...I will be seeing all these fabulous lady friends of mine tomorrow evening...sister and I are driving up to Mel's house to have dinner...I have to create "pudding" for the dinner tomorrow...so we'll see what I make?...hmm...what to make...

So, back to my long lost friends...Mel I have seen every year since I have been away from Europe and living in Canada...Chloe...who I also met whilst I was going to College, but not at college...I don't think I have seen her since 2001 maybe.

Chloe has since had a little baby...and married H who Mel and I did go to College with.

Chloe is exotic and eccentric...she's an artist who is very creative and now teaches little children in kindergarten...lovely...can't wait to see her again!

Then there is Lady Lass...who I met at the same time as Chloe, she knew the group of friends who we all hung out with...you know how groups of friends over-lap...Lady Lass(Elly) is from S.Africa(huge hint to which picture is for her)...Elly I haven't seen for probably the same time frame as Chloe...Chloe and Elly used to live together in London, and then Chloe moved in with H.

Elly is a very funny, dry and passionate lady...I have missed her mucho. BUT...we have been in touch via email....so I know what she's been up to...but not in major details.

Last but not least...Leesa the wild child. Leesa is such a fire-cracker...or used to be, she also has a beautiful voice. I met her through Mel...she was singing in a band with Mel.She's electric and funny...she's tell you how she feels...she'll tell you everything and anything.

I can't wait to see them all...it'll be GREAT! I'll remember my camera this time...I promise!

So...when Mel texted me and said...I have something little for you all...I cracked into gear last night and decided to make something for each of these wonderful ladies who I have known for 18 years...WOW...sounds like a long time!

Well, back to work...

Until tomorrow...

Char,ON

Did you know...

Kale is rich and abundant in Calcium,Lutein, iron and vitamins A,C and K. Kale has several times the beta-carotene of broccoli and ten times more Lutein. Kale is very rich in Vitamin C and is also full of fibre...which is lacking in many people's diets.It also contains the all-important antioxidant vitamin E and has naturally occurring phytochemicals sulforaphane and indoles which research says may protect against cancer.

Science has discovered that sulforaphane helps boost the body's detoxification enzymes,they say by possibly altering gene expression which can help clear carcinogenic substances in a timely manner...sounds good doesn't it!

Kale is a member of the Wild Cabbage family...which originated in Asia and was brought to Europe by the Celts.

Kale was an important food item in early European History and a crop staple in Ancient Rome.

Kale is sweeter when the leaves are smaller.

Sulforaphane is formed when the Kale is chopped or chewed...and this somehow triggers the liver to produce enzymes which detoxify cancer-causing chemicals which we are exposed to on a day to day basis.

It's tasty,it's green and very good for you...

Kale can be sauteed as a side dish...you can chop it up to include it in your salads or drizzled with sea salt and oil and made into Kale Chips...YUM.I chose (and have been doing it for a while...) to add it an ever faithful chicken noodle soup.

After a stomach bug they is nothing which can get your body feeling ship shape again like a bowl of wholesome Chicken Noodle soup and a poached egg with a handful of chopped Kale.

Poor little Miss A and little Miss J caught the stomach bug today...this is Ash after getting Sister B to straighten her hair (first time ever...oh, you could see she felt like a princess...so sweet)whilst I went shopping for last minute Christmas gifts with Mormor(granny).

Not feeling well sure does take a lot out of you...
So...remember next time to put Kale on your shopping list...it's a must for the Winter!

I have some Landscape pics for you tomorrow...see you then.
Char,On

PS...missing you lots Ron.

friendly Friday...

What a wonderful way to spend a Friday afternoon...having eaten lunch around noon, the girls and I walked a good 25 minutes to arrive at sister's door step...always a warm welcome waiting for us as we enter her sweet and warm,cozy house...which used to be the stables of our Childhood house which our parents sold 10 years ago. They converted it into a little 2 bedroom cottage...and now,sister and bro in-law live there with Morton.
I of course forgot my camera...but Tam did promise to post some of the pics when she got the chance.(thanks Tam)
We had a Cappuccino and mini Cinnamon roll as the kids got acquainted again...it took all of 5 minutes! Tam's kids are wonderful...as you saw in the previous post...very joyous and happy(other than Beth when at the end of the day she'd really had enough...poor little thing was exhausted)
Tam, is...you are Tam...so,and such a positive lady.Exuberant and talented...with always MUCH care for others.
Thank you for coming out to our neck of the woods!
The below pics were made as belated Birthday and Xmas gifts for her 2 sweetnesses.
I think little Miss J fell in love with Jack...even though yesterday she said "I don't really like boys Mummy." And that was that...until this evening when we came back to my parents house...and she wished to show him absolutely every material possession she owned. So cute.
Beth started the ever so endearing "Separation Anxiety" with Tam...hmm...I STILL experience this on a daily basis with Jordan...she is extremely independent and yet I walk 3 steps ahead of her and she is almost in tears...thinking I will desert her!

So...on a BLAAAA note...I have contracted a stomach bug...thanks Boo and Morton...but on the positive side...it's still a good 2 weeks until Xmas...so I have time to recuperate. YAY! Better now than later....apologies in advance to Tam...it came on suddenly and pray that NONE of you get it.

I am signing off now...I really hope Tam shows you some beautiful illustrations she has been working on for a book....they're WONDERFUL...maybe if you ask her nicely she'll give you all a sneak peak.

The one thing I look forward to next year seeing Tam...is that we WILL organise a cooking day here or up at yours...it's SO difficult with a 10 month year old in tow...but perhaps Mr. R will join us and Ron so that Tam and I and sister could enjoy the afternoon together and they take the kiddos off for a LONG walk...heehee...we'll work towards it.

What do you wish you had done today???

I must go...ciao until next time...

Char,ON

Festive and excited!

Char, I am so excited to see you tomorrow... The last few days have been great, as Jack's school has got very festive with carol concerts and his Christmas party, it's the first year he's been totally into Christmas, and I'm loving it! I have been meaning.. (as usual!) to post for ages, but in honour of seeing you and the girls finally I got the pix off the camera! I have been pretty tied up with work recently, always a blessing when it comes in, but I do miss 'free-time' as if it's really free as any Mum knows!!

Beth is now bouncing.. so close to walking but doesn't quite have the confidence and as as year is getting close to passing by it's shocking how time slips past so quickly and that little bundle of baby has grown into a giggling cheeky little girl. I am loving seeing how she and Jack interact, they have little conversations now (obviously she's not talking..but he talks to her and she babbles back) it's too cute!

As for Jack we went to watch his first carol concert yesterday, a line up of amazingly brave little ones faced the paparazzi of proud parents and I have to say my exuberant little man was so funny, I think being inbetween two extremely well behaved little girls made his jumping and very exaggerated actions to the songs more noticeable, but I did think about the possibilities of him having hyperactivity at more than one point in the few minutes that we watched them singing! In the middle of Twinkle Twinkle little star his legs started running on the spot and then he dived out of the line up for a quick toilet break (thank goodness he went) and then once he returned the songs began again. As a parent I will always treasure yesterday and smile when I think about it!
Tam, UK

high skies...

We finally are having brilliant skies here in the UK...finally! Look what we had yesterday...

And what we have today(see below)
It makes SUCH a huge difference, the day seems longer...people's moods are better...you can be outside longer with the girls...I hope we have more days like this!

We've been with Morton all morning, sister was delivering so he hung out with his cousins...he's adorable. SUCH an easy baby!

The girls have now eased into being here and have stopped saying "what can we do now?" every 5 seconds.

We have our morning walk out the the horses and feed them carrots. Little miss J isn't as comfortable with the horses as she was last year.Miss Ash is fine and loves stroking them and chatting to them.

They played in the Hay Stack all morning..."such a wonderful play castle" miss A said. It really is a great place for hiding go seek...or any type of make believe play. And then they chilled with their ever faithful leapster!

Funny how the outdoors can keep a couple of little girls ever so happy!

HUrrah, Hurrah! Tomorrow Tam comes for a visit with her little ones...can't wait to see her, chat and catch up...
I'll post some pictures in the evening tomorrow...I'll hopefully have better Internet connection as I'll baby-sitting up at sisters.

Have a lovely day and I'll be on again tomorrow.

Char,ON

WISHES...

Oh my...this frustrates me....I had written a long post and was so thankful just for the pure fact I could even post about today....and then the connection gets lost...and I loose my whole post! Other than the pictures thank goodness!!!!
This will be short...as it was long...and now I am sleepy....forgive me.
Above is the view from my parents kitchen window...my dad raised the Swedish Flag today.
My mother came from a town just North of Malmo...she grew up loving and working in the fashion industry and learnt how to weave...and this is how she came to leave Sweden....following her elder sister to Ireland, who is a very talented Textile designer.
My sister's son Morton, sitting on Mum's lap...aren't they a beautiful image. I love this picture.
My Mum is amazing...so creative and talented.Happy Birthday again Mum!
She's 67...needs a new hip....and will hopefully admit to needing one sooner than later!
Doesn't she look good though for 67!!! Well done Mum.
Dinner:: Stuffed Chicken wrapped in prosciutto with porcini and portabello mushroom risotto, green beans and a spinach salad on the side.
YUM.Can I say YUM even if I made it myself?
Boo was supposed to help but ended up going home early...she has a sick bug...poor her.
WOW...we sound like our family is not very well...

Dad's in today for his Biopsy...fingers crossed.
Thank you again for your prayers and kind comments.

HUGS...until tomorrow.
R, I miss you tonnes.

Char,ON

Twas cold and blighty...

Well...we had a good day at the fayre...LOTS of school Mums and kids running around.

Fortunately for Sis and I the rain stopped 20 minutes before setup time....which was really a blessing seeing as our stand was outside...we however did NOT see the Sun which was behind the roof top of one of the school buildings...(that is also one of the school buildings behind moi in the picture...isn't it quaint!)

As you can see from the photo(or not...sorry I think 55 minutes to wait for the upload is WAY to crazy, we'll try again another day),rather cold I am...all bundled in my puffy jacket...having forgotten hats and mitts!

I sold a couple of prints, and my sister did a grand old job selling the Farm's wares.

I'm looking after him in the morning with the girls so...that will be FUN...lots of giggles. His Mummy, Sis, is going to the SUPER market to purchase ingredients for my Mama's Birthday tomorrow.

Lots of photos for tomorrow.(if I can upload then!)

It's been a good day, and I'm happy to be here with family ...but am missing my most beloved part of my Life...mucho. Hoping Canada is not too fridged tomorrow!

Last but not least...here is a photo of 2 portraits I painted for my parents of their parents a couple of years ago...again I had to imagine colours as the photos were black and white...I love having them hanging on my parents walls...yes,they live in a log cabin.

It's very warm and cozy.

HUGS....until tomorrow!(which is now until today...as this Internet connection is a disaster!!!!Still uploading photos...sorry)

20 minutes later and they are still loading...oh...I know I have said this in a previous post...but HOW I appreciate what speed we have in Canada!

Ok...I'm trying one at a time...seems to finally be working better...

Later today::Birthday Bonanza!!!

Char,ON

P.S. HAPPy BIRTHDAY Mummy!

Hello England!

We arrived yesterday to a sunny forecast...which is always welcoming. Dad came to meet us at the airport...he looked well...a little tired, but said he felt better.

On Tuesday he'll go in for a scope and a biopsy to double/triple check everything and then get a date for his op.

I'm sure he's a little scared...it's wonderful to get to hug him and tell him how much we love him...the girls gave him big hugs too...it's been a year since we saw all my family...way too long.

I met Morton(my sister's little baby) for the first time...he's SO adorable. I'll get some pics of him up soon.

AND my brother's little Tristan and Olivia...they're so sweet. The girls just loved having another playmate to have fun with all afternoon.

I'm trying to upload a photo, I've been working on my *Fayre* box of goodies which I'll be displaying at a local Christmas Fair later today.The Internet connection here is so SLOW(how I appreciate back home)...as we're in the sticks...but OH...it's just finished uploading...yay!(that's my box of goodies above!)

I'll will be at The Ightham School PTA **Christmas Fayre** today, November 6th from 1-4pm...if you're in the neighbourhood, come by and say hello!!!**

My sister will be there too, which will be wonderful, so we can catch up on a whole year!!!!

We saw the Sun again today...raining out as I write but it's supposed to clear in the morning.

Although I saw the Sun, it barely rose above the tallest trees here...quite a different feel to the day.I will take lots of photos because there is definitely a moodiness about the days here in the UK...

The girls are loving seeing their cousins and all the horses, little miss J is impatient and WANTS to ride Hammi the Horse...Ash is quite content playing with our old Lego which Mormor(Grandma in Danish) so kindly dug out for them! See it pays to be a pack rat!

It's SO wonderful to be around my Mum, she's such a wonderful easy going person...who's Birthday is TOMORROW!

Boo and I are cooking her dinner.

Mushroom Risotto with Stuffed Chicken wrapped in Prosciutto with green beans and a delicious Salad...which I have to find a recipe for...

So...I am going to try and get into a routine...this will be my posting time from now on...unless the little ones are at a play date without me(hahaha...not likely!).

I will try and pass by your blogs too...as I have been SO awful and have been neglecting you all(not willingly)but have been thinking about you all and hoping that your start to December has been a good one...and hoping that you all enjoyed your Thanks Giving...if that was part of your Calendar.

I know time will fly by whilst we are here...so I will treasure each day.

Thank for visiting...

I'll be back soon.

HUGS

Char,ON

P.S. ANY ideas for a delicious salad???

I'm back and we have a winner...

small country fair...

linen for my lavender pillows... my table...

giggles...they're the best!

toes...toes and more toes...

sibling portraits...

I can hear all the cheer in the background...."Yay for Jen"...
Congratulations Jen...you can visit her here...if you would like to personally congratulate her. She has the most adorable family!
She commissioned(or rather her winning request) is for one of those Wild Things with her little nephew on it's back.

I am SO sorry I can't paint one for each and every one of you who entered the giveaway....but there will be more giveaways in the New Year!

Update (as I have been M.I.A for over a week now...or is it 2weeks?)
Dad is ok....didn't end up having a biopsy-but will probably very soon.(his kidneys needed to be at a better functioning state and his prostate has to reduce in side through meds.
He's out of hospital...and at home recovering from probably a few years of his body not functioning properly. Once stable he'll go in again for a biopsy and then probably a prostate reduction op.
THANK YOU so much for all your support...it really meant the World to me.
I have been walking around in a daze...not being able to function 100% and forgetting to do things.(sounds like I need to see a doctor!!!)
BUT...I had the show on Saturday and it went well, it was small...and I think maybe 150 people came through...
I'vebe posted a couple of photos in this post so you can visually catch up.

HOW are YOU?

I know....there have been sometimes days when I haven't even turned my computer on...so my apologies for not passing by YOUR World...and saying hi.
In a few days I will be in the Old Country and may get a little more time to blog!YAY.
I've missed you all...although I needed this time...downtime from thinking about anything other than my dad.
I DID:
-finish 23 Lavender tooth fairy pillows.
-paint those 2 pictures (3ftx3ft)
I've packed(almost).
Gotten ready for a Show in UK.
Had to deal with Canadian Immigration...(2 of the days)
Christmas shopped...probably FAR too much again. The bags are FULL and I haven't finished packing all the clothes.(we have a policy in our house that we ONLY buy gifts for the little ones-I can't imagine how many bags of luggage I would need if I was buying for all the adults in our family too!)

Ok...I'll be back tomorrow.
I have added the pictures to the top of this post.

Night Night .... sweet dreams....thanks for passing by.
Char,On.

thread races

keeping the girls busy this morning...teaching a 3 and 5 year old how to sew...

but first...they have to learn also how to place the embroidery thread on the little paper spools.

lots of hand eye coordination...and...look at how many they have to do!

Thank you ALL for your well wishes, prayers and thoughts with regards to my Dad...I had a tough day yesterday...but your comments helped SO much.

I am blessed I have good friends and family around...and SO fortunate I have made some very wonderful friends through this Blogging World.

Thanks for being there.

What are you keeping busy with today?

I have to start those 2 paintings which have been put to the side for these past couple of days...and then have a hip-hop dance class to go to this evening. (haha...yeah...I just see it as a 45 minute work out),

I'll give you an update of how things are later.

HUGS.

Char,ON

worried...

about Dad...he's been having problems with his prostate for the past couple of years...and finally went to a specialist yesterday instead of just his family doctor.He's been booked in tomorrow to a Hospital in London. They have to do a biopsy on his prostate, but have to drain his bladder which hasn't been working properly for a while they suspect, it's effecting his Kidneys.
I know he's worried...I am worried...I'm far away, and wish I could just give him a hug.It's been a tough day.
This was a quick doodle of "Dad the Protector"...with my bro,sis and me. He's always been there for us all...and..and...and...
Does anyone know how to quickly cure puffy red eyes? I have to pick up little Miss A from school in about half an hour.
Thinking of you dad...love you dearly.

Char,On

WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN

this one is for YOU...

The Holidays are approaching... a gifts you are buying...why not WIN one for someone special!

Tell me for WHO & WHY (it could be for yourself:-) you would want one of my "Once Upon a Time Original Watercolours"...and you could WIN one.

You have 3 chances in total:

1. leave your comment about for WHO & WHY...
2. Make sure you're a "Fabulous Reader" of our Blog
3. Blog about the "WIN WIN WIN" contest.

(make sure each of the above are left as separate comments! THX)

That's it...quick, the contest closes on Saturday 21st 8pm EST.

Winner will be announced on Sunday :-)

HUGS...have a glorious Monday.

Char,On

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED::WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER TODAY (Sunday 22ndNov)

weekend projects...

I painted Spanish bears in mountainous settings...and started xmas gifts for friends and relatives in the UK...

and finished a "Thank You" cat for our wonderful helper who's always there at our Mamas and Chicks Show...thank you L!

oh yes, we went to "Saltan's Tent" for my hubby's Birthday dinner with friends...and rolled out...I'm definitely not used to eating as much in the evening. It was delicious...but thought it could have been a touch hotter(in the Spice department).
The belly dancers were awesome...I want to be able to do that one day...they had these sheer red shawls which they would incorporate into their dancing...reminding me of a warm breeze
swirling through the restaurant. Loved the music too.

This week I'm starting 2 3ft x 3ft portraits. I know, I'm really excited too!

What are you up to this week?

Char,On

P.S.Tomorrow will be the Giveaway...so come back and enter for your chance to win an original watercolour!

Once Upon a Time...thanks.

I have a list of "Thank You"'s ...and a list of "To Do"s...today the "To Do"s can wait.
This bird is for Shelly, I introduced you to her a few weeks away...a very talented Artist and Photographer...she came to my rescue.
Usually my husband will take the day off and help me when at the Shows...because the majority of the morning is spent tending to vendors and their needs as they get settled.
Well, my husband had to teach(he teaches ground school at the nearby Airport)...so...I had to think of someone...and Shelly came to mind....and she kindly said yes!
So...thank you lovely friend, it was great hanging out with you for the morning.
I hope you love your birdie.
This has to be one of my favourite...the colours work really well and it feels Wintry.
Colour palette: inspired by my paint brushes...
Shelly loves the City and is a Free Spirit...with a heart of Gold. There are very few people in the World like this...but I am SO fortunate to know a handful of them.

Thanks for stopping by...what are you up to this weekend?

We're having quite the feast of a weekend...tonight Sushi and tomorrow Moroccan...YUM! And all in honour of my dear hubby's Birthday!

Have a good one...and remember to check back sometime this weekend...you can win your OWN Once Upon a Time watercolour!

Char,ON

shop-cut-iron-HIDE...

just came back from the ART store to buy 2 canvases for a commission I landed yesterday...
and look what I bought...Mike Perry's new "IRON ME ON" book...perfect!

we came home...Little Miss A went running up to school for the afternoon...and I came back with Miss J and read a few story books...and then she went to Dream Land for an hour.

I ran downstairs and cut out a couple of scenaries for their blank tops I had been saving...this one is Miss A's...

and this one is Miss J's...

It took an hour in total...and then I quickly hid then as soon as I heard the little pitta-patta of feet coming down the stairs.

Now to find some fleecy Pj trouser material with deer and trees on...et voila! Merry Christmas!

Hope your day is going well...what have you been up to?

Char,On