Figuratively Speaking - Joy

We are empty nesters....have been for ages.  Almost every holiday we spend it with family, but this year is different.  This weekend we celebrated with my son's family and had a spectacular time with a bonfire, a spiral walk, and we decorated a night tree as well as exchanging gifts and eating great food.  Next weekend is my granddaughter's birthday so we will be with more family and friends.  I am saying this so you won't feel sorry for me when I say it will just be the two of us on Christmas day.  I have been thinking a lot about traditions and how important they are, but also how they need to be flexible so that we don't get disappointed when they are thwarted.  I don't think it is ever too late to start new traditions...times change and I want to change with them.  So, I have been trying to come up with the perfect tradition for Carl and I that can be adapted to those Christmas days when family is here or we are alone.  This year it looks like we are going to be housebound because a big storm is expected, so our new tradition has to be something we can do at home or if we are traveling elsewhere.  I am not there yet, but I am narrowing in on the perfect idea that will mark this Christmas as the one where we started a great new tradition.  I am taking suggestions, so please jump in and comment on my blog, or send me an email.  I hope your Christmas is everything you hope it will be.  I can't think of anything pithy to say to end this...so, Go Figure!

Figuratively Speaking - Happy Holidays

Whew!  It has been a bit intense for me lately!  I have been absent because I had shoulder replacement surgery which all went well, it just has a long recuperation and it is, after all, my dominate hand.  So, since painting was difficult, I decided to redo my website and blog and all the social media stuff.  What a headache to go with my shoulder ache!  I have published my website, and please check it out.  I have also renamed and reconfigured my blog so I am really hoping you all receive this!  Please let me know if you do.  My Facebook business page is the hardest to figure out.  I think that will take a while but I am determined to really get this all together and be active with it once I do.  So now that I am attempting to post this, I can call it a day and get some shut eye.  I need that because tomorrow is a big day for me.  I am going to the doc's and hope he says I can drive!  I really hope he says that because I am going to drive there to find out.  Go Figure!

Christmas Sparkle

6x6 acrylic

I am working on a series of commissions which are pushing me to the edge!  So, this was a fun relief from the work that requires much focus and attention.  This was inspired by a photo taken by Susan Walleck.  I took some artistic liberties with it and because I let myself go and just play with it, it was a lot of fun to do.  Now....back to the commissions.

The Delivery Guy

9"x9" acrylic

I have been away from painting for a few weeks and am feeling it!  I decided to warm up with a fun little piece.  This is based on a DPW challenge to paint a guy on a bicycle.  I  decided to have some fun with it!  There is a poem to go with it, but I think it is a little early to post it, so I will wait till later to do that.  What do you do to get back into the swing of things after being away?  I went to an early exercise class today as well because traveling and visiting family is a lot of fun, and it requires a lot of energy, but not my usual exercise.  I need that too!