I had the most fabulous weekend at my friend Kara’s place, complete with chickens, a new puppy, home-cooked meals (including homemade pasta and shortbread), silly romantic comedies and lots and lots of outside time.  I returned home content but feeling rather under the weather, however.  I’m still a little foggy in the brain but it’s been a while since I posted and I want to share a couple things with you.

Kara and I went to the infamous Alameda Flea Market on Sunday.  It is HUGE.  Almost too big in my opinion as it was a bit overwhelming.  About halfway through the booths (we were bent on walking down every aisle), I looked down the center towards the remaining booths and said “Are you kidding me?”  (Actually, I also used an expletive or two.  What can I say, my feet were killing me!)  That being said, Kara totally scored some house stuff that she needed and I got a few things as well.

The Anthropologie-esque bird and dogwood plate (above) only set me back $1!  Isn’t it pretty?  I’m sure the vendor regretted quoting me the low price since my response was to gasp and then whip out my wallet.

This is not the greatest picture of an adorable granny sweater I also found there.  The color is a little more turquoise-y than in the photo.  Vintage sweaters never fit me but this one does surprisingly.   Plus I’ve been on the lookout for a wool lace cardigan so I had to get it!  I also picked up some silver-plated teaspoons (all with different patterns, naturally) since my husband and I always run out of those first, and a silver-plated cake server that I’ve been “needing” for a while.

Anyway I’m still drinking lots of tea today, trying to take it easy and enjoying the gloom while I get back into work.  I hope you all have a lovely Wednesday!

Where the Cardinals Sleep; 8.5 x 11 watercolor on paper

This is one of those pieces that had a very humble beginning.  I’m acquiring a much better habit of sketching to just draw and see where that takes me.

The other night Tim Burton’s Sleepy Hollow was on TV and with hot chocolate in hand (seems like there’s almost always hot chocolate involved any task I do!) I drew this lass, a cardinal friend.  Can you see references to the movie?  I think they kind of snuck in there unconsciously.

This watercolor and its sociable birds remind me of the time when I was younger…I was outside on my parents’ porch while my mom watered her garden.  The birds always liked to come by when she was doing this, perhaps because the fresh water was so much better than any standing pools they could find.  A house finch flew down from the birch trees and landed on my arm, Sleeping Beauty-style.  I was in a state of delight and concern for I had never experienced an encounter such as this – was this bird really friendly or was she trying to tell me something?  She looked at me and chirped and hopped from side to side a bit.  She jumped onto my shoulder just before tweeting her good-bye and flying back up into the trees.

Birdly Bunting Silhouette 8×10 Print (Pretty Colors)

I’m very excited to be adding new prints to le shop!  I’ve just been itching to get these posted…

House Guest Silhouette 8×10 Print

Housebound 8×10 Print

Housebound (Detail)

Birdly Bunting Silhouette 8×10 Print

You may also find these prints in my Etsy shop.  Thank you for looking and Happy Tuesday!