Starting a new mural

Hello friends,
Where did February go?
I am amazed at how busy this year has been... I am totally out of the loop with so many of you... And haven't had a chance to come and say hello even recently...trust me, I have thought about it!
So... This is the start of my new project... I hope you'll check in tomorrow to see how things are going.
What's new in your life?

Hugs to you all
Char.x

Thursdays thoughts...

This is where I left it yesterday afternoon after having painted for 7 hours straight ...I was completely pooched, I fell asleep at 9.30pm after dinner, we were supposed to head out for a run but that never happened...I'm working on the sunflowers today.

In between the little girls night-table and her dresser is a 2ft span of wall that we decided(the client and I) that it would be a nice idea to place a little section of grass and flowers with a couple of butterflies fluttering around.

I'm working on finishing the tree today,the arch of the window and would like to get Olivia's name finished too...we'll see...

Check back tomorrow to see how much I have progressed. I can't wait to start painting the fairies...

Have a good Thursday...it's REALLY raining here today, so it's a full day of crafts for the girls -Ash will be in her element today...

Char,Ontario

Wednesday wishes...

Firstly...just quickly, because I told all of you I would tell you how we did in the race...we came in 17th out of 450 teams on Saturday's City Chase. We didn't have to eat anything which was just by chance because we chose a different route which had other chasepoints like: dressing up in a Velcro suit and throwing yourself onto a Velcro wall, OR playing blind croquet, OR strip Jenga, OR being locked in an old Jail cell and trying to find a key in complete darkness to unlock the door(there were 8 keys in total in the cell)...we had a lot of fun, and our next race is on August 15th in Toronto.
Yesterday I spent the day working on the Fairy Mural...and this is what I accomplished. I feel like I'm in "My Little Pony" land, which is a good thing because the client wanted bright and cheerful. My wishes for today are that I finish the tree,flowers and the Olivia name...I only have 2 more days so I have lots of work to do.

Well, I was out with a girlfriend last week and we walked into a store hoping they would have a Tagine which I could cook in...because as some of you may recall I received one for my anniversary gift...but due to it being painted and glazed...I could only use it as a serving dish.

Above is my new Tagine, I love it.

I cooked chicken and vegetables last night...it's so quick to use, sear your meat-place a layer of carrots on the bottom of the tagine,place your meat on top of the carrots and layer all the other veggies on top.

I have only cooked with it twice but am amazed at how after it cooking for 1 and a half hours...the carrots are still al dente and the meat is so succulent...love it!

This was just before closing it up and placing it in the oven to cook....no oil and very little salt...and still super tasty!

I took the girls to the Toronto Zoo on Monday...

Always a great place for taking pics of animals as reference for my painting.

I love the little butterfly sanctuary they have...you can walk amongst the butterflies fluttering above your heads. Jordan was a little scared, but Ash held her hand and assured her everything would be o.k....very sweet.

I love this picture I took ...sorry, I haven't had a chance to look up the name of it.

Ok...I'm off to work...

Wishing you a wonderful Wednesday!

Char,Ontario

Sunday Watercolour...

It's boiling out...my DH took the girls over to a friends to play for a couple of hours so I could get this watercolour finished.
Prints will be up for grabs this week in my Etsy Store.
Want to know what I'm up to this week::

• Taxes
• Meet up with 2 clients for the murals (Fairies and Swamp/Meadow)
• Watercolour of a Whale
• Zoo (I promised the girls)
• Strawberry picking(if I don't go soon...there will be none left)
• Update Mamas and Chicks site
• Exploring 2 new parks (I promised the girls)
• Send Boo(my sister) and Olivia(my Niece) in the UK their Birthday gifts.
• Try to catch up with Shelly and Dale
• Clean house from top to bottom
• LOTS of Laundry
• Grocery shop
• Set up Mamas and chicks Blog
• Email vendors about Fish Friday at Club Carib
• Start my inspiration board

Do I think I'll get it all done? I hope so. The Taxes are going to take up all my evenings and lunches if the girls nap...but they have to be done, as my husband is waiting for figures.
It can sometimes be a little overwhelming, and I'm definitely not as good at writing lists as my DH is...but here is my effort, I hope it helps.

What do you have to get done this week???

I'll check in with you all later today...
Char,Ontario