Which paper would you want to live without? toilet paper, paper towels, or books? I love to paint, so art paper is high on my list. It takes little physical effort, costs little, and gives me much joy.

This morning I am using paper to write down some recipes for Pumpkin. The cooler weather encourages me to cook. Maybe some pumpkin pie, and try Pumpkin soup, sounds good doesn’t it!

I love this big pile of pumpkins. In one California zoo, they give the old pumpkins to the hippopotamuses (hippopotami?)

I am an optimist at heart and ignore the bad way too much, probably for my own good. Yet, I find that quality enjoyable when I find it in others, like: Snoopy, Helen Keller, Abraham Lincoln, Henry Ford, and Samson.

So here I go again sharing my Art at the Neosho Fall Festival, tomorrow Oct. 1, at the Civic Center. Also exhibiting “Sappy” at the Thomas Hart Benton Exhibit at Crowder College (10/8 though 10/23).

It is so invigorating to have cooler weather, even if when we realize that trees are going to lose their beautiful leaves soon. When I was a child my favorite thing to paint was a tree with red, orange, and yellow leaves. It got me in trouble (yes, I can be rebellious) when the teacher said paint “so and so” and I just painted what I wanted. Still do that!

Below is one of my first endeavors at watercolor in 2006. I just had to do it again, only I realize that I now have an “Artistic License“.

Been busy preparing for upcoming Art events. Love to paint chickens for some reason. My grandmother had a chicken that came in the house every day to lay an egg on her bed. Much better than what my cat laid on mine a few days ago. Uck!

The Blue Jay calls his family to come in for food, once in the morning, and once in the afternoon. It is like he is saying “it’s safe now, everyone come in.” His family is always three, he prefers only his wife and latest fledgling, the others have to find their own food source after they are grown.

The highlight of spring is when the barn swallows return. The babies are happy to see me because they don’t know any better. I just had to paint this picture (artistic license available upon request).

Strangest thing, I took this picture in 2006 when we first moved here, and lately, someone sent me an email showing incredible photos, and mine was included.

Just got back from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Attended a convention entitled “Let Your Kingdom Come”. Wonderful training for a Christian Wife, Mother, Friend, etc. Email me if you want to know more!

If I could I would travel the world, but Tuscany and Umbra, are especially appealing to me.I do my traveling via Italian Notebook and blogs that let me travel.

Just imagine standing in a courtyard hearing these sounds. It gives me chills and stirs my heart.

I will continue to be involved as a “part time”Real Estate Agent. This opportunity will allow me to work at a pace consistent with my recovery from a recent illness.

Check back to see what is happening next week!

When others irritate us we wonder “Is it me, or is it them?” I found out a long time ago a general rule, “A weakness is a strength overdone.” Maybe you agree, but it is worth considering. One of my best strengths (in my opinion) is overlooking others faults (including my own). Some people think of as “Wearing Rose Colored Glasses.” Why not, they are free.

One thing we do not get enough of is kindness. I worked with a lot of wonderful people, who nurtured “random acts of kindness”. It is the most rewarding activity, try it and let me know how it goes. Have you ever provided a needy person with something (not money)? Actually, remember there are many types of needs, a smile, commendation, encouragement, and sometimes just a hug. Have a great day!