Last post of July.....

Where did the month go? It flew by so quickly, I am sitting here thinking what did I accomplish this month, and I can't believe that it's almost August already! I am always running behind, ever the procrastinator, and this month was no different. It's always one of my yearly resolutions, to be more organized, and manage my time better so that I can be more productive, but as with a lot of resolutions, I don't always stick with it. I am a lot better than I was years ago, so maybe my small incremental improvements are helping. I am looking forward to August, and hoping to be a LOT more productive than I was in July! We'll see.... :)

If you get a chance, please stop by Lynda's blog as she is having a give-away of some lovely postcards! Post a comment, and you will be entered in her drawing on August 1st. Also, please take a peek at Suzanne's blog, as she has some exciting news about her new website that she is launching on August 1st! She is a marvelous painter, and I just love her "painter of the week" posts. Very fascinating!

I am working on some new winter designs for my licensing company ESC Trading Company Inc. and when those are completed, I will be starting new Fall and Halloween items that will be offered for sale. I'll be back soon with some "works in progress" pictures for you! Please email me if you would like to be added to my mailing list, as I will be sending out an email when I have my new items finished.

It's Friday.....and It's Hot!

I have been slowly catching up this week....finishing up with the Angels for Brianna auction, starting some new sculpted pieces, having fun with Simon and getting my home back in order. The days are long this time of year, and seem to last forever. I spend the cool mornings with the doors and windows open...enjoying the sounds of birds chirping nearby, children playing, and the rustle of leaves as the light breeze goes by. When the afternoon heat sets in, usually by about 2 pm, but lately it's been by noon, it's time to close the house up tight and run the AC. I'd prefer not to run the AC, but the heat in Northern California can be unbearable in July and August. The afternoons are when I sit and work on new pieces, and ideas for future ones. Planning what I'll work on next keeps my creativity flowing, and keeps me on pace to finish any current work that is on my table. I always have my "to do" list near by, and a note pad that I sketch ideas on. You never know when a great idea will come to you, so I have note pads all over my home for just such an creative moment! My sketch's probably wouldn't make much sense to anyone else, but they convey enough of an idea to me, that I can go back months later and remember the thought that I had when I put the pen down on paper.

Here is Simon and I staying cool in my grandparents pool. He is just learning how to swim, so he has on all of his gear to stay safe while learning. He loves the little boat with the built in water gun. He sprayed us all that day...aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins...even mom and dad! :)

I hope you all are staying cool, and enjoying your summer. There is nothing better than taking time to enjoy some laughter and fun times with family and friends. I also wanted to say thank you again to all that participated in the auction last week. It was a huge success, and we far surpassed our original goal of $10,000 almost doubling it! From all the wonderful art that was donated by the many talented artists, to all of the bidders....thank you from the bottom of my heart.....you are all angels.