Happy 4th of July

Happy 4th of July everyone!

I can't believe it's that time of year already. I've been having a great summer. David and I have been riding at least three times a week despite the tests I've had to take.

It has been raining almost daily. My garden is growing and so are the wildflowers. They're gorgeous! We went for a hike on the Rainbow Trail the other day and found some of the most beautiful colors.

Have a safe and happy 4th!

Going Back to School

Most of my close friends and family know that I have been thinking about going back to school for quite some time. It took me awhile to decide what direction I wanted go. I struggle with the thought of being someone other than an artist. In these difficult economical times that everyone in our country are facing, I decided that I needed to do something to help not only myself and my family, but others as well.

I decided to go into nursing. In a way, I'm not surprised that I have chosen this path.

1. I have been in and out of hospitals since I was 4 years old.

2. I love helping people.

3. I'm intrigued with the human body.

I could list more reasons, but why? I've already made up my mind and I start school today!

I'm only taking two classes which is a good thing. One is Human Anatomy and Physiology. The other is Human Growth and Developement. I'm looking forward to both classes, but would be lying if I said I wasn't a little nervous. I haven't been in school for seven years! Well, five if you count the TEFL certificate I received in 2004.

This doesn't mean I'm going to quite making art though. I'm going to try my hardest to keep up with my etsy shops. I am done showing in galleries for a while though. My last show is still up at the Blue Pig Gallery in Palisade. They have extended it to the end of June. And I might enter a show at the Art Matters Gallery in July, but after that, I'll be concentrating on my studies.

It is an intensive two year program. After one year, I could go to work as an LPN, but I am going to finish the second year so I can become an RN.

Spotted Blu Duo

These spotted bowls are a personal favorite of mine.

They make a great wedding gift!

Check them out @ MuddyPotts

www.muddypotts.etsy.com

Productive Monday

It's such a beautiful day! And it's Monday! I decided early this morning that I had several things that I would like to accomplish today.

First was upload an image of this bowl that I am entering in the Bowl Swap for the Etsy Mud Team. It is one of the challenges that we can participate in to fulfil our membership. I'm really excited to be a part of it this year and look forward to the bowl that I'll be receiving in exchange.

If you're interested in being a member, go to http://etsymudteam.craft-sense.com/

and sign up! It's a great group to be involved in.

Then I had the urge to throw. It's been months since I've been in the studio and I was way over due for a visit. I threw two mugs and a large bowl. The mugs still need handles. I should be about ready to pull a couple after I get this post up. =)

After an hour or so in the studio, it was time for a break. So I had lunch with my hubby and then out to work Lumpy. I hesitated to work him in the heat of the day, but decided that if I kept it to a light workout, then we should be okay. We worked about an hour in the round pen and then went for a little ride. It was a little unnerving for him since Neo wasn't along, so we made it a short ride. But we had a good day! Here's a pic I took of him after he had a carrot. Of course I had to play with it a bit on photoshop. I couldn't resist the temptation.

Morning Dew and Misty Grass

Morning Dew
I have been getting ready for an upcoming show at The Blue Pig Gallery in Palisade, CO. Here are two new paintings that will be making their debut. They each measure 24"x48"


Misty Grass

Grandma's Quilt

I finished my first quilted project from my new book by Joelle Hoverson. The book is called Last Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts. Remember, it's the book I picked up in the mail last week.

I could hardly wait to make something. It was a toss up between peanut, the wee elephant and someone to watch over you. I decided to make the quilt "someone to watch over you" for my grandma. She's very dear to me and I wanted to make something special for her. I was hoping to have it finished this morning, but I ran out of thread! It's done now and thought I would share my finished project.

Welcomed Anticipation

A couple weeks ago I ordered a book from Half.com, a subsidiary of eBay. The book is called Last-Minute Patchwork+Quilted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson. Well, it came in the mail today! I'm so excited! I've already flipped through each page and now am starting from the beginning reading about each project and deciding what I'm going to make and for who. Must go read and sew!!!