The Sea is calling...

It's been a really long time since I've sat with a cup of tea in hand and written any sort of heart-to-heart post. In the past, it was a regular thing for me....opening up and sharing my heart with all of you. Let me tell you just how much I've missed it. The lack of connecting with friends here and around me is beginning to tug at my heart. In fact, I'm reminded of how much I loved being by the sea when living in England last year. The sea is calling me......yet, how do I make that much needed connection inside when being so incredibly far away now?

Life has had so many significant changes since July of last year that honestly, it's been a struggle figuring out any sort of routine with my work and life. Nothing truly "feels" right inside, leaving me feeling unsettled and disconnected. Maybe it's because I/we have been on-the-go for the past year with various life circumstances that it's preventing the much needed re-connection with life?

It's hard to believe it was just a year ago we sold most of our belongings and relocated to another country to live for 4 months. As of today, it's only been 7 months since we packed up and returned to Colorado to begin life yet again in another new home. That's a lot of change in itself! I remember struggling last Autumn and blogging about the desire in finding my place and a routine in Scarborough. So, why I am feeling surprised that I'm in the same predicament now?

Since we've been back, Michael's mother passed away, my oldest step-son graduated from college (and is now serving a 2-year commitment in Botswana with the Peace Corps), and my brother and sister whom I had never met, found us! What an incredible miracle that has changed my life forever. My heart is overjoyed to finally have them in my life! Add to that, the ongoing journey of still trying to locate my younger brother in California who's been struggling with homelessness for quite some time now.

With all that said, I'm longing for that certain peace I've not felt in quite awhile. My heart aches and I feel it wouldn't take much for the tears to begin flowing down these pale, flush cheeks of mine. Despite this restlessness, though, I'm certainly thankful for everyone in my life and all we've been blessed with. I'm sure once things settle down that "missing link" will fall right into place and my creative soul will be at peace once again.

Summer Days, Old & New

It's so nice to be up and on my feet again after being so horribly sick this week. Most of you know I've a liver condition and have already had one large tumor removed and have yet another small one being monitored. I'm not actually supposed to have anything with seeds as my body cannot process it. Somehow, I missed seeds in a teriyaki salmon burger we had for dinner the night before. Not good but happy to report I'm feeling much better now.

With that said, although it's been extremely hot here in Colorado this summer we're blessed to be in a cosy, little cottage surrounded by large trees providing that much needed shade. It takes me back to those wonderful summer days playing in my grandma's big, shady yard, filled with maple trees. Ahh, to be that little girl stomping around in her yard again and later sipping on iced tea while eating some of her yummy banana wafer pudding...

Scribble Picnic (Bug Catcher)

Raise your hand if you like to collect bugs...well, pretty ones at least! I'm raising my hand for ladybugs and fireflies. :) I loved this week's Scribble Picnic theme - ladybugs. So perfect for me since I've already illustrated a children's poetry book about ladybugs and it has won 2 book awards and is now up for another one next month. Cross your fingers!

Anyway, I started the illustration of this little guy a few weeks ago and paused as I wasn't sure what direction to go with it. At least not until Michael announced this week's theme. Say....ladybugs are perfect for picnics. Ohhhh...I'm off to catch a few more so there's enough for everyone this week!

New Styles and GIVEAWAY WINNER announced!

As mentioned in a post written last weekend, so many changes have been happening in my life over the past 6-8 months. All good but because of them, I've also been feeling this tug to branch out into some new artistic endeavors. So, this past week I dived in to some ideas that have been floating around in my head for awhile now. What do you think? I feel the floral illustration girls above express a part of the "grown-up woman" side of my heart that has been begging to be known.

Don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoy creating whimsical children's illustrations! Children have always been close to my heart and I love working alongside them in any way I can. However, I've been feeling as if I've been blocking my creative spirit from doing so much more. Like, limiting my abilities and skills. Does that make sense? While continue to work on illustrating children's books, I've made the decision to take on a few projects that will allow me to delve more into this style above and am seriously looking forward to it. I hope you'll follow along, sharing your thoughts and my journey as well.

With that said, let's dive into the exciting news of the final Sunday Sketches GIVEAWAY WINNER announcement. Yay! Again, thank you to everyone who has made the past 9+ years of Sunday Sketches fantastic!! I've loved every moment of it and have been blessed you've tagged along this entire time...and what a better way to celebrate than having a big, final giveaway. Here's a peak at what will be inside the box. (I'm leaving some things as an element of surprise for the winner!)

...and speaking of the winner...... the final Sunday Sketches giveaway winner is Claudia of Images by CW! Please email me your shipping address so I can send of your lovely parcel filled with various art supplies and tea goodies. Again, THANK YOU to each of you! I'm really looking forward to our new, creative journey together.

Scribble Picnic (On "pins & needles")

This week's Scribble Picnic kept me on....pins and needles....as it was super challenging but also super fun! I'm so glad I grabbed my picnic basket to join everyone! If you follow the Scribble Picnic link above you'll see the theme for this week was "fill in the blank" by completing the dot and line Michael provided. It's been fascinating to see what everyone came up with.

As you can see, my interpretation took me to a whole new place in my illustration work and I'm beyond thrilled with the results. I LOVE this piece and am offering it as a print in my shop where you can find all of my other whimsical originals and prints. Also, feel free to download the black and white version to color in yourself. When finished, please post your completed coloring sheet for all to view.

Happy Picnicking! :)

Sunday Sketches (Seasons Change)

Hello my lovely and faithful Sunday Sketches blogger friends. It's crazy to think another week has flown by and I've (sadly) not had a moment to sit down and visit any of you from last week, let alone all of the wonderful peeps from Scribble Picnic. Life has been a bit chaotic over the past month or so but still... I'm sorry! I hope to catch up with everyone this weekend.

The illustration above came about from a young lady who frequents the same bakeshop that Michael and I do. Every day, she rides in with her adorable schnauzer strapped in a basket on the back of her bicycle and it's oh so cute!

Before wrapping up my post, I wanted to make a special announcement. After much thought and chatting with the hubby, (and after 9 long, fabulous years), I've made the decision to close Sunday Sketches. There have been a lot of new chapters opening in my life this past year and it feels apropos to close others, such as this one. I've thoroughly enjoyed my time hosting this online art co-op and have made some wonderful blogger friends. I look forward to new adventures ahead and will be sharing them as I do plan on continuing to blog!

Oh, and you'll see me popping in over at a fairly new weekly online art co-op my hubby hosts - Scribble Picnic. Won't you join him/us?

With that said, please spread the news as anyone who participates in this week's Sunday Sketches will be entered in a final GIVEAWAY for some fabulous art items and tea gifts.

Thank you SO MUCH for this fantastic, creative journey!

Scribble Picnic (Woodland Watermelon Feast)

It's another woodland party. Uh huh. This time, my little bunnies are having their very own watermelon feast. Won't you join them this week here at Scribble Picnic? I'm sure Michael wouldn't mind at all. There's plenty of room for each of you to cozy up on their comfy picnic blanket and it looks like they've plenty of watermelon to go around.

This illustration was painted with only Tombow Brushes. I love how they work and in the end, look like a real watercolor painting. For more fabulous picnic contributions, hope on over to Michael's blog for a peek and nibble.

Sunday Sketches (Pelicans & New Family)

It's been an incredibly long but wonderful week. For those of you who've not heard, I made a quick decision to fly to Kentucky to not only see old family I've not seen in 9+ years but finally meet both my brother and sister I knew about growing up - but had never met. It's been joyous, surreal, and many tears shed - it's been an incredible miracle!  Just in a week there's been great healing my family has needed for such a long time.

With that said, enjoy my pelican illustration above. These magnificent birds are my favorite and I have finally taken the time to sketch one out and I quite like it! More soon! It's very late here and I'm currently packing in order to fly home to Colorado tomorrow!

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Submit your artwork by signing up below with a link to your blog. PLEASE make sure to visit each other! One of the biggest reasons for this wonderful art co-op is encouraging one another in our creative endeavors. Thank you!