WOYWW - Mini Tea-themed calendars

It's been quite some time where I've been able to participate in Julia Dunnit's weekly challenge, WOYWW, and I'm excited to jump back on board this week.  What a great way to start the new year!  So much unfolded in 2014, specifically the terrible car accident I was in, leaving myself and my hubby in a place of great loss, forcing us to re-arrange life and everything in it.  For awhile, it was quite challenging but I'm thankful we're finally in a place today where things seem somewhat normal again - or as normal as life CAN be!

Although I/we suffered great loss from the accident, it has brought some unexpected and joyful things along the way - like my illustration world blossoming into such wonder, I couldn't be happier.  Although I don't understand why things happened the way they did, I'm very lucky to be alive and am blessed to be where I'm at today.  I'm more than thrilled to be illustrating for several different children's books which are scheduled to publish early in 2015.  Keep an eye out for the announcements!

With that said, let me close this post, grab a perfect cup of tea and make my rounds to all of the other beautiful ladies who are a part of Julia's WOYWW.  Happy Wednesday and Happy New Year!

A little hello note...

Life is beginning to get back to normal in our cozy home (still decorated with Christmas lights and such until January 6th)!  Today was the first day I sat down to doodle and paint since week before last. It felt incredibly good.  My creative soul worked away at the table for a few hours before turning off the lights and settling in on the sofa next to Mr. Toast with a perfect cup of tea and English muffin in hand.

The next week or two will be busy as I work away at illustration deadlines I've unfortunately fallen behind on a little due to being poorly for so long.  Thankfully, I'm working with some incredibly patient and understanding women/authors.  (Let me tell you just how grateful I am!) I promise to post sneak peeks here and there when I can.  Until then, make sure to pop in over at my Facebook page to say hello - this is where I post regularly.  I'll also pop in to say hello at your lovely bloggie homes as well.

Sunday Sketches

The sun is now settling down behind the snow packed mountain peaks here in our cozy Colorado town.   On Christmas Day, little flakes began to tumble down and soon blanketed our entire town in 7 inches of the most incredible fluffy and magical snow!  Yes, Mr. Toast and I had a "White Christmas".  It couldn't have been any more perfect than the way everything turned out.  Snow and surrounded by our children on Christmas for a wonderful holiday meal.

Above is the first thing I've painted in over a week and clearly says if you see no artwork posting, you know something is truly wrong as I don't usually go a day without posting something on my pages.  Oh my!  I do think I'm finally on the uphill towards better health at last! Yeah!

Happy SS!  I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas holiday and am looking forward to catching up with all of my lovely peeps!

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This week's participants: Please sign-up below to submit your sketch for this week, which will also allow others to visit.

Sunday Sketches

Hello, my wonderful bloggie peeps.  I'm still having a very rough week this week and started a second round of antibiotics tonight after having a bad allergic reaction to the first round.  I'm feeling quite discouraged tonight, as one can imagine.  There's so much work on my studio table to do and each day that passes with work uncompleted leaves me that much further behind.  Not to mention, leaving me exhausted and unable to do things with Mr. Toast and the family.

Please do leave a little note and I'll make rounds with everyone as soon as I'm physically able and up to it.  Thank you for your understand and prayers.

Grab the Sunday Sketches button here.

This week's participants:
Please sign-up below to submit your sketch for this week, which will also allow others to stop and visit.

Creative Tuesdays: Scottie Love

This round of Creative Tuesdays was to simply choose our favorite CT contribution from this year and then share as to why it was.  I chose the "Holiday message" theme where I had these three adorable Scotties, playing with Christmas lights and bunting.  It really couldn't be more fitting for myself and my life with Mr. Toast.  We both love tea, bunting, Christmas - and the little guy shown above. 

For those of you who know me,  Scottish Terriers often pop in and out of my illustration work and is inspired by the one and only (above), Brendel Joseph - our incredibly precious, loving and playful Scottie.  This little doggie has been through thick and thin with me.  He first entered my life shortly after my cancer surgery back in 2006 and it was then I called him my miracle puppy - and that he is!  This little guy is at your side when you're down or feeling sickly, shoving his head under your chin to get as close to you as he can.  He's also a ball lover, leaf chaser and the best snuggler in the world.  Hee

Happy Christmas, everyone!  May peace and love fill your world this holiday season. :)

Sunday Sketches - Very ill

My wonderful bloggie friends.  Please forgive me for not posting and no notice.  I've been in a lot of pain the past few days.  So much, that it has made me so sick to where I've been unable to keep any foods or liquids down.  I'm planning to be up and about for the next round, so please do return this coming Sunday.  Here's a quick doodle from the sofa today.

Miss everyone very much and chat with you soon!

Sunday Sketches

This week's post will be short as Mr. Toast and I are away for the weekend with our first Christmas trip with the kids to a cabin in the mountains - and we're loving it!  As soon as we return home, I'll be visiting everyone!  Until then, happy December! :)

Grab the Sunday Sketches button here.

This week's participants:
Please sign-up below to submit your sketch for this week, which will also allow others to stop and visit.

Creative Tuesdays: Dreams of December

The current theme for this round of Creative Tuesdays is "Dreams of December" and I had loads of fun illustrating this one.  As a children's illustrator, my heart is always dreaming of ways as to how I can create magic for those in my life every single day, whether in person or virtually through my blog, art page, etc.  My heart's desire is to help individuals view the world around them with a child's heart, allowing their dreams and imagination come to life.  

For me, I love the snow in Colorado...and pressies!  Uh huh.  Hee   When I combined my heart's desire with some of the things I love, this precious illustration unfolded right before my eyes.  I can't tell you just how much my heart is bubbling over from this little gang, inspired by the fabulous 2013 John Lewis Christmas Advert - "The Bear and The Hare".  May each of these furry little friends touch your heart this holiday season.

For more Creative Tuesdays contributions, please visit here.

Sunday Sketches

It's been a wonderful holiday weekend with Mmm and the kids.  We've been blessed to have such a wonderful place to be our first home together this Christmas season.  Our 2nd annual Christmas party is in just a few weeks so keep an eye out for photos of this special holiday event.

Here's a sneak peek at some of the work currently on my studio table as well as a photo of our home now decorated for the holidays! The first photo is part of the nursery rhyme project I'm illustrating for the Kids Hope USA foundation.  I'm very excited to be a part of this special project helping children in need.

I'm looking forward to catching up with everyone tomorrow.  Happy SS!

Grab the Sunday Sketches button here.

This week's participants:
Please sign-up below to submit your sketch for this week, which will also allow others to stop and visit.

 

Sunday Sketches

More wonderful illustration work happening in this studio this week.  My main focus has been on two projects this past week with deadlines quickly approaching.  First is the Peanut Butter & Pumpernickel children's book scheduled to publish in January of 2015.  This book will be focused on teaching children about the love of animals and nature, filled with alliterations and tongue twisters. 

The other collaboration currently on my studio desk is with a non profit organization called Child Hope USA where I'm creating a lovely series of nursery rhyme illustrations in a book that is scheduled for publication at the end of this year as well. Above is an example and represents Mary had a little lamb.  I feel so blessed to have so many projects and opportunities on my desk.  Keep an eye out for a peek at more of the projects I'm working on.

I'm looking forward to catching up with everyone.  Happy SS!

Grab the Sunday Sketches button here.

This week's participants:
Please sign-up below to submit your sketch for this week, which will also allow others to stop and visit.

Creative Tuesdays: Ho Ho Ho

These little guys have arrived a tad early to wish everyone a wonderful holiday season.  As you can see, they're also a little mischievous, all tangled up in the Christmas lights and bunting - A perfect "Ho, Ho, Ho" for Mr. Toast's Creative Tuesdays.  Oh dear me.  lol  I'm in love with how this illustration turned out and am considering making this my 2014 Christmas card. 

For more Creative Tuesdays contributions, make sure to pop in and say hello here.

Sunday Sketches

I've been continuously busy, working on multiple illustrations for my upcoming children's books, e-courses and catching up on the classes I had to drop a few months back due to the terrible car accident that left me jobless and so forth.   I've been continually amazed and humbled at the various blessings blossoming in my life - utterly thankful.  My heart cannot express the gratitude and joy overflowing at this very moment.   Each and every one of you have been amazing with your support and encouragement along the way.  Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

Above is a 15-minute illustration (aka warm-up) created this morning before diving head first into studies and work.  Enjoy and happy SS!

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This week's participants:
Please sign-up below to submit your sketch for this week, which will also allow others to stop and visit.

Sunday Sketches: Delightful Trio

It's been another delightful, busy week at home and in the studio.  I continue to be amazed, blessed and humbled at how my illustration world is growing - and then some.  Every spare moment is spent doodling out ideas for the next round of custom orders and a new line of Christmas cards I'm designing for the shop.  My heart is filled to the brim with so much JOY, it's hard to contain myself at times.  Uh huh.  So blessed and I have so many peeps to say thank you to, for where I'm at today.

Above is an idea for the next Creative Tuesdays theme I doodled out at one of my favorite bake shops here in our cozy, little town.  Three little birds surrounded by holly and berries.  All I have to decide now is what color to paint them!  Such sweet, precious little birds.

Here's to a beautiful weekend and Sunday to each of you!  (Raises her cup of tea.) 

Grab the Sunday Sketches button here.

This week's participants:
Please sign-up below to submit your sketch for this week, which will also allow others to stop and visit.

Sunday Sketches

I've been working pretty steady on custom orders for Christmas as well as the several children's books I'm currently illustrating.  It's been a great treat and joy to be able to do something almost full-time in which I love.  I feel utterly blessed to be in the place I'm currently at right now in life.  I've got a great husband, wonderful step-children, a cozy place to live...and much more.  Humbled.

Above is a little illustration I was hired to do for a little boy who is about to be born.  I felt this was so fitting and would last a lifetime hanging on the wall in his room.

Wishing everyone a fantastic Sunday!  I'm looking forward to really catching up with peeps today.

Grab the Sunday Sketches button here.

This week's participants:
Please sign-up below to submit your sketch for this week, which will also allow others to stop and visit.

Sunday Sketches

My apologies for posting a bit later this round.  I've been caught up in a whirlwind of lots of good things going on around us, including a late night last night with Mr. Toast and the oldest son, so thus this going up later.

With that said, here is a recent bakeshop illustrated and as you can always find me saying, one can never have too much tea nor cake!

OK.  I'm looking forward to catching up with everyone.  Have a FANTASTIC Sunday!

Grab the Sunday Sketches button here.

This week's participants:
Please sign-up below to submit your sketch for this week, which will also allow others to stop and visit.

Creative Tuesdays: Making Music

With all that's going on, I totally missed the last round of Creative Tuesdays, but not this time.  Nope.  I just had to jump on board for the latest theme, "Found Object Art".  My initial idea was to take an old key found at a local market sale and transform it.  Alas, it didn't burst forth into something creative!  With that, I started scrounging through the kitchen and landed on this idea.  It's perfect for my weekly journal book.

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For more Creative Tuesdays contributions, check out Mr. Toast's page.

Sunday Sketches

The sun has faded into the night and the moon has replaced it, shining bright enough to pave a path for those walking in the cool Autumnal air.  Another week has passed with orders completed, parcels shipped and new little illustrations, such as this one, coming to life.  There are still many projects on the table, including 4 children's books, a nursery rhyme series and custom hand-painted 2015 yearly calendars.  When my bad car accident happened almost 5 months ago now,  I would've never imagined my creative life unfolding the way it is today.  Unfortunate as it was, somehow, it's brought about greater things and joy to my life and I couldn't be happier. ♥

I'm looking forward to catching up with everyone.  This is a special creative world for me here, with each of you in it.  So blessed to have you and the opportunity to share my journey with you along the way.  (Holds up her cuppa in a special toast.)

Grab the Sunday Sketches button here.

This week's participants:
Please sign-up below to submit your sketch for this week, which will also allow others to stop and visit.
 

Sunday Sketches

The Autumnal weather is officially here in our cozy, little town.  Other than some mild weather today, the temperature has been averaging around the low 60's, with rain coming and going.  All of this makes way for fuzzy knee socks, hot water bottles, and let's not forget those perfect cups of tea.  Uh huh.   I'm sure you know me well enough by now that a day doesn't pass me by without having at least one hot cuppa.

Above are some recent illustrations I've been working on.  The boy on the left, you'll notice, was in a recent post where his umbrella was illustrated up onto a coffee cup.  He's now his own little watercolor illustration and will soon be available in my etsy shop.

The rest of my weekend will be spent uploading videos and lessons to my finalized e-course, Hello Courage.  If you're interested, there's still time to register for the course.  If you're looking for that special something to inspire you (or re-inspire you!) along your creative journey, then this e-course if for you! :)

Happy SS!  I look forward to seeing what everyone else has been up to.

Grab the Sunday Sketches button here.

This week's participants:
Please sign-up below to submit your sketch for this week, which will also allow others to stop and visit.

Paint Party Friday

I've been creating daily Starbucks cup art for the month of October and have been enjoying the challenge to come up with an illustration flowing up and off of the cup.  Here is today's - my first watercolor one and I SO love him.  You can see more of my cuppa art on my art Facebook page as well as follow along on my journey of illustrating 4 children's books between now and April of next year.  Utterly excited!

For more wonderful art, visit Paint Party Friday!

Sunday Sketches

It's been a fantastic week of Autumnal weather here, making it perfect for not only painting pumpkins in the studio but for taking the day off and venturing out to a local farm to pick them with Mr. Toast and the kids.  Thus the fun and silly photos above of he and the family.  Hee

Things are rolling along quite fast here in the studio with my very first e-course getting ready to launch in just 8 days!  Utterly excited and blessed here.  Uh huh.  This girl is on a brand new creative journey and I couldn't be happier.

With the hour approaching 11:00pm here, let me turn off the lights for now and rise in the morning with a perfect hot cuppa in hand to take a stroll through everyone else's page to say hello and see what you've been up to this past week.

Grab the Sunday Sketches button here.

This week's participants:
Please sign-up below to submit your sketch for this week, which will also allow others to stop and visit.

Paint Party Friday

I've been moving along and pushing through with so many projects that I feel as if life is flying by me at the moment.  From writing two upcoming e-courses, online classes myself, working on 4 children's books and various custom orders - Lord knows I'm in constant tea mode here!  Hee

Many peeps have been emailing me asking for monthly calendars.  Above is a first test-run of my now popular little fox, tumbling down amidst the Autumn trees.  I love him and couldn't be more pleased of how he turned out.

Happy Friday and happy PPF! 
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For more wonderful PPF artwork, make sure to visit HERE.

Sunday Sketches

I'm so glad you could join me for another fun, creative week, here at Sunday Sketches! Everyone is welcome!  Whether you draw, paint, mixed media - whatever your creative spice is, hop on board!

Above is another Mr. Cromwell in the making.  He was first inspired for Creative Tuesdays this past week and he became a hit!  I'm certain you'll continue to see him as the seasons draw closer.

Until then, sleep well and I'll catch everyone tomorrow!

Grab the Sunday Sketches button here.

This week's participants:
Please sign-up below to submit your sketch for this week, which will also allow others to stop and visit.

Creative Tuesdays: Red Apples

I couldn't quite decide what to do for the C.T. theme this round.  My little creative mind continued to toss different ideas around for days until I landed on this one.  Which, only came to mind about three hours ago!  Mr. Cromwell, certainly turned out far better than I had expected and I'm so in love with him and his fuzzy blue sweater and scarf.  Hee

For more wonderful Creative Tuesday contributions, make sure to visit Mr. Toast (aka my hottie husband), over at his cozy home HERE.  :D

Sunday Sketches

The past few days have been spent preparing and attending the local downtown art fair - The French Nest Open Air Market.  We had alot of fun and it was a huge success!  I'm so grateful and blessed to have such wonderful support.  Thank you to everyone who came out and said hello.

Above are two illustrations I've been working on the past several weeks and was able to complete this morning while attending the art fair.  Both illustrations turned out darling!

Happy SS to everyone!  I'll be visiting peeps tomorrow.  It's time for some much needed rest!

Grab the Sunday Sketches button here.

This week's participants:
Please sign-up below to submit your sketch for this week, which will also allow others to stop and visit.

 

Paint Party Friday

Here's my rendition of one of Beatrix Potter's illustrations. She is the main inspiration behind my work and what I continue to do with my work.  I've always felt the "connection" I have with her is the (unfortunate) great loss we each had in our lives - losing someone we loved dearly, unexpectedly.  Her story of love and loss, taught me how to transform the heartache/loss in my life in to joy.

It seems each time great loss happens in my life, my art transforms. I've been truly amazed and humbled at the marvelous growth regarding my illustration work. In just under a month, I've grown over 4,000 followers, hired by 3 individuals for children's books (and still doing Jolly Jake Adventures!) - as well as, enough custom orders to keep me busy through the beginning of next year!

THANK YOU to all of you for your love, support and encouragement to follow my dreams! Thank you, especially, to my husband, Mr. Toast, for all he has taught me and his encouragement to keep persevering, despite life's challenges. :)

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For more Paint Party Friday artwork, make sure to pop in and say hello HERE.

Sunday Sketches

Hello and WELCOME to another creative week here at Sunday Sketches.  It's so exciting to see this co-op continue to grow each week and I'm delighted to be a part of it.

My weeks continue to be (happily) busy, filled with sketching, painting, and also planning my two upcoming e-courses, ("Hello Courage" and "It's a Polka-dotted Christmas").   Hopefully, one of these days, I'll be able to sit down and share a bit more with each of you.  Currently, I'm enjoying my life sipping on tea and illustrating away!  I've a full load now, all the way through the end of this year and then some!  Exciting! ♥

The first illustration above is another one of my little gals in my special girl series.  She's quite precious with her adorable little Scottie dog.  The second illustration is one I stumbled upon earlier today, while spending time in my studio for the first time since the terrible car accident 16 weeks ago.  This was one of my very first sketches when I started drawing back in 2008.  Crazy how things change!

With that said, I'm off to visit everyone.  Wishing you a fabulous Sunday Sketches!

Grab the Sunday Sketches button here.

This week's participants:
Please sign-up below to submit your sketch for this week, which will also allow others to stop and visit.

Paint Party Friday - Bluebirds Fly!

It's been a great week filled with multiple illustration projects. prepping for our next Art Fair, and working on my two upcoming e-courses.   It's been a long journey these past four months, recovering from the terrible car accident I was in (and lucky to be alive, no less!), but it's also been one that has brought a new JOY in my life; both creatively and personally.

In fact, it's truly humbling and amazing to see my art page grow over 3,500 peeps in just about three weeks time!   The interaction, love and support has been wonderful and I pray my illustrations continue to bless individuals across the world.  ♥
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For more wonderful creative works, make sure to visit Paint Party Friday here: 

Creative Tuesdays: This Old Barn

After a few days of sketching and painting, I've finally finished my contribution to the Creative Tuesdays theme, This Old Barn. I'm a big fan of old barns, especially red ones.  I grew up around many and they often bring great comfort and peace to me.  This theme couldn't have come at a better time as the Autumnal weather is slowly creeping in and leaving its footprints everywhere.  From the cold rain to the yellow leaves; it's perfect!

For more Creative Tuesdays, make sure to visit HERE.

Sunday Sketches

I'm so glad you could join me for another week of Sunday Sketches.  WELCOME!  Grab your favorite cuppa, pull up a chair and sit down with me for awhile.  It's a cozy per-Autumnal weekend here and perfect for sipping on tea and hanging out with wonderful peeps like you.

It's been another busy week filled with doctor's appointments, prepping for our next art show (Only 2 weeks away!) and knocking out customer orders.  With that said, enjoy my latest little lady in yellow.  She's the 6th girl in my ongoing series.  Take a spin over to my art business page to catch a glimpse of all the wonderful creations from this past week.

Ok.  Off to catch up with each of you and see what's keeping you busy this time of year.  Happy SS!

Grab the Sunday Sketches button here.

This week's participants:
Please sign-up below to submit your sketch for this week, which will also allow others to stop and visit.
 

Paint Party Friday: Doggie Love

Life has had its ups and downs...its good days and quite challenging days.  You know what's best about them all?  Regardless, our doggie always fills our heart with compassion and love, knowing just when to curl up next to us or cover our nose with puppy kisses.  He truly is the best! ♥
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For more creative artwork, make sure to visit Paint Party Friday.

Sunday Sketches

Hello and welcome to another week of sipping on tea and sketching.  It's been a very busy 24 hours, dealing with a family emergency, but wanted to pop in to say hello and wish everyone a safe, holiday weekend.

As you can see above, I'm beginning to work on my Autumnal illustrations and Mr. Hedgie is my first introduction to this year's theme.  What do you think?  He's already prepping to make his own punkin' pie!  Hee

OK.  I'll be away this evening so will start to visit peeps in the morning.  Be back soon. Happy SS!

Grab the Sunday Sketches button here.

This week's participants:
Please sign-up below to submit your sketch for this week, which will also allow others to stop and visit.

WOYWW - My creative journey during recovery

It's been awhile since I've posted to the lovely Julia's - WOYWW.   About 4 months ago, I was involved in a terrible car accident, flipping my life upside down in many ways.  I've had to learn to re-adjust to so many things, losing my day job on the college campus and having to drop classes.  The accident has also left me unable to sleep in my own bed (still), along with having to depend on others to get me about since I still cannot drive.   I spend 3-4 days a week at the doctors for physical treatment and am still about 70% away from a full recovery.  Sigh!  lol

However, during these past few months I've finally been able to find my way through the challenging moments and found a special JOY amidst my illustration work.  Let me tell you just HOW refreshing it's been and my creative journey has exploded into the most incredible one.  I feel beyond blessed to be where I'm at this very moment, despite the horrible car accident.  Although my current workspace is the coffee table in the living room (as I'm not able to sit up in a hard chair for more than 2 hours without pain!), my illustrations are coming alive in the most incredible way!  Uh huh.  ♥

For more of my incredible journey, visit my art page. I'd love to see you!
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Please visit Julia's lovely page for more creative and inspirational work-spaces HERE.

Sunday Sketches

"A friend is someone who overlooks your broken fence and admires the flowers in your garden."

It's time for another fabulous, creative Sunday Sketches - accompanied with tea and cake, of course!  I'm so glad each of you could join me and it's been wonderful seeing previous participants re-join the co-op.  Yeah!

Above is a quick sketch and watercolor I created in about 10 minutes at a local coffee shop this morning, sipping on a latte while people watching.  It's been raining here the past few days and it's been wonderful.  It makes me long for the soon-to-be Autumnal days.

OK.  Off to see what everyone else has been up to.  Happy creating!  Happy SS!

Grab the Sunday Sketches button here.

This week's participants:
Please sign-up below to submit your sketch for this week, which will also allow others to stop and visit.

Paint Party Friday - Hedgie LOVE

I've been on this creative roll for developing my own little "Life of a Hedgie...in Colorado"!  Hee  A few weeks ago, I simply designed one for my first art fair and was surprise that it not only immediately sold but how many more peeps popped by my booth asking for hedgies.   So, as you can see, our September booth will be filled with this little guy.  Now, he just needs a name!

I'm off to rest.  As most of you know, I'm still recovering from the terrible car accident 14 weeks ago.  I'm still in physical therapy and body treatment 2-3x a week for another 4 months or so.  Oy!

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For more contributions to Paint Party Friday, make sure to visit HERE!  ♥

Creative Tuesdays - Poppies

This CT was quite challenging for me - so much, that I almost gave up!  I'm still not quite pleased with the final results but in the end am content.  It was a great way to push me outside of my current comfort zone.

I'm looking forward to not only seeing what everyone else has done for CT but to catch up with my Sunday Sketches peeps!  I'm a bit behind due to my birthday celebrations.  ღ¸¸.•°”˜”°•.¸¸.Ƹ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ

For more Creative Tuesdays contributions, make sure to visit Mr. Toast over at his cozy little spot.  I'm sure you'll find him with a hot cuppa in hand and a slice of bread with peanut butter on it.  Hee,

Happy Birthday to me!

Celebrating my birthday with Mr. Toast and later with my step-children.   I'll be back soon to follow-up with everyone from Sunday Sketches - and then some! 

In the meantime, enjoy a piece of cake and hot cuppa with me.  :)