Spanish {Dancers}

I wrote this post
for the studio blog
but thought I'd share it here too for
those of you who don't
follow over
there.

Here's one of my most recent painting projects.
(the photos are small because
i've just cut and pasted
from the other
blog)

*****

A while back, I did this sketch.

Just started scribbling, really, but liked what happened.

I've been wanting to transfer the sketch to canvas.

Karry suggested we use the projector.

Which I did.
Twice.

And I've started painting.

Similarly on each canvas but with subtle differences.
Just to see what happens.


I have no idea what either of these will look like when they are finished.

But ... here's where I'm up to with them ...

I'll keep you posted as they progress !

Corner {Favorite} View {Dish}

Corner View is hosted by Jane at Spain Daily.
Join us as we travel the world each Wednesday ...

This week's theme ... "favorite dish"

I'm excited about this one !

I love to cook. I love to eat.
I love to take photos of food I cook and eat.

I have a cooking blog ... it's called Pass The Beans Please ... or in close circles ... The Beans Blog.

I'm going to share some of my favorite dishes ... and you can click on the titles for the recipe !!

Proscuitto Wrapped Asparagus

Fish Taco

Prosciutto Pizza

Heather's Apple Crumble

Excuse Me, This is Delicious, Shrimp Salad!

Funky Lime Pizza

Crock Pot Steak Fajitas

Spanikopita Meatballs


Salmon and Asparagus Deliciousness

Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower

I want to post more but my little boy just woke up and wants to play a game with me !
I don't have time to do both ... he wins !

I'll be round to see all of your 'favorite dish' posts later in the week !
Lookin' forward to it !!

Why My Shredder Hates Me ...

I've had a busy yet surprisingly relaxing Monday...

Want to see my to do list ?

These are just the things I listed ... not the normal, everyday things that also got done.

1. Feed Neighbor's Cat
2. Go to Shop ... get $ for cleaning lady, spending money &
something for Jono to take to class to celebrate his birthday.
Oh ... and ice too.
3. Show Jono e-cards that have arrived
4. Fix fairy lights out on back patio
5. Do one page in cookbook
6. Do one sidebar link on beans blog
7. Dust entire house
8. Quick tidy of disaster area toy room (long story)
9. Alia's new desk ... arrange
10. Photos of desk/bed (another long story) !!
11. Plant garlic
12. Send email re: meeting
13. Go through work box
14. Do a big ole' load of shredding
15. Exercise ~ walk around park. Was supposed to be 30 minutes but
ended up getting rained out after 20 !
16. Change sheets
17. Wash, Hang, Fold, Put away four loads of laundry
18. Add garlic to lentil recipe on beans blog
19. Make yogurt
20. Research cookbook/recipe copyright laws
21. Add Andrea's photo to beans
blog sidebar.

Phew !!
I can't believe I got that much done !
(Especially since I got to facebook a bit too.)
As well ~ the lady who comes and does cleaning came
today so the house is pretty darn clean !!

I sure love days that end like this !

I have 30 minutes before my 9:30 bedtime.
I need to pack lunches yet so I'd
better skedaddle !

Coloring Pages

A few years ago, I stopped buying coloring books for the kids.
Except for when we go on a big overseas trip ... then I let them pick one to take with.
But, other than that, I've found that their tastes change too quickly and they tire of the coloring
book before it is finished, and it's money wasted. I dislike money wasted. Don't you ?



I've found that printing one picture at a time is a better solution.

I can print whatever takes their fancy at that moment.
Like yesterday, Jono wanted a football and Alia wanted a Princess.

I just go to google.com ... put in "Princess coloring pages" or whatever it is they want,
click images in the top left hand corner and it brings up blank coloring pages.
The kids pick the one they want. I hit print. Voila !

It's too easy ...

Simple Days at Home

There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children.
One is roots; the other, wings.
~ Hodding Carter ~

{Contrast} Corner View

Corner View is hosted by Jane at Spain Daily.
Join us as we travel the world each Wednesday ...

This week's theme ... "contrast"

~ guest hosted by Dana ~

Trash Can Play Time

Yes.
He is sitting
in a trash can playing lego.
He assures me it is comfy and
that I should try it ! Not on your life !
We've started something new with Jono.
We've been thinking he needs to be able to have
some more privileges, you know, now that he is getting older
and more responsible. A couple of weeks ago we started letting him
stay up later than Alia. She goes to bed at 7:30 and he doesn't have to go to
bed until 8:15. He is allowed to play in the toy room, quietly, from 7:30 - 8:10.
We have given him a clock and it is his responsibility to make sure his toys are cleaned up
and he is in bed by 8:15. He has done so well ! One night, early on, he was still in there cleaning up at 8:20. He gave me some excuse. I told him that with privilege came responsibility and if he couldn't be responsible to make sure he got to bed on time that he would not be able to 'stay up late' anymore. I told him that from now on, if he didn't get to by by 8:15, the next night he
would go to bed at the same time as Alia. It's been two weeks and he hasn't been
late to bed. Not one time ! He comes out at 8:10, gives us kisses and cuddles
and then gets in bed ! It's incredible. I think it is having the desired effect.
Teaching him responsibility and helping him to feel that little bit more
independent but in our safe environment. I'm seeing some
improvements in attitude as well. We're not 'there'
yet but as Rory
said to
me

yesterday.
"We are getting there ..."
I'm glad he thinks that. It gives me hope.
And that, friends, is all I need.