Road Trip

This weekend I decided I needed to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and grabbed my daughter and we headed for a day of antiquing about an hour away in Nanton,Alberta. The Sun was shinning and the drive was beautiful and it was nice to be spending time with my soon to be seventeen year old gal. Well we hit Nanton by storm (population about 2000). I decided to wear my jean jacket that I had blinged out with three of my grandma's broaches and they were really the talk of the town as they sparkled in the sunlight, well that and the fact I went down a one way street the wrong way( yup it is a small town folks so it was all good and me and Madi could not stop laughing as the old timer on the corner just tipped his hat to us....I am sure he was thinking those city people). I could have sold my broaches to the antique owners three times over, which I new my grandma would have loved that and the fact that I was wearing them.

My gal had been told that Nanton, had the best candy store in all of Alberta, so it is here that we purchased 

way to much sugar which really blew my no sugar month. They had candy from my childhood that I could not resist...Sponge Toffee,Bottle Caps and my all time favorite Cracker Jack. Definitely a great place to stop for candy if you are passing threw Nanton.

 We headed back to Calgary and took a quick little detour to Okotoks which is much larger and just on the outskirts of Calgary. On the way back we came across this cute barn that made us smile and laugh some more which was perfect timing as we were crashing from all the sugar. 

We visited some cute shops and ended up having dinner in what use to be a church. Loved the downtown area with its charming old homes. There were so many old homes that spoke to me but the one I loved the photo did not turn out but it had a big old front porch and a brick exterior and it just made me smile.

Home at last....the boys were at hockey so what  better way to finish up a great day then by watching a girlie movie(The Notebook) and baking cupcakes! A great day with my Gal.........

Smiles,

Kim

Montreal

This past week I ventured off to my old stomping grounds from when I was clothing buyer,"Montreal". I had great weather which made exploring so much more enjoyable. I spent a whole day in Old Montreal  with it's stone buildings and cobble stone streets exploring art gallery after art gallery. It was so inspiring! I love the European feel of this French Canadian city it is full of amazing restaurants and culture. This amazing Catholic church drew me in with its welcoming red front doors(almost every house I have lived in I have painted the front door red....I heart a red door) and the craftsmanship of all the architectural detail is so magnificent. 

With all the great shopping you might think you would find me at all the major retailers which I was....but I love street vendors and so I because this was my last day I took a photo of these wonderful flowers. I am a girl who loves a spring bouquet or a handful of hand picked wild flowers any day over a dozen roses.  I also purchased this amazing piece of jewelry on the street by a local artist which I will have to post a pic of .I had a great chat with the vendor as he explained his technique for creating his one of a kind pendants and cuffs.

Had some fun with this piece which is not quit finished. However I started it many moons ago so to be almost done is better then not done."A Patchwork of Prairie Sunshine", seemed to be a great title for this piece. Also still working on my new site which is a bit more challenging as I am having to re size and dig up all my old photo's of my art but once it is done it will be that much easier. 

© Kim Hicks-A Patchwork of Prairie Sunshine

Smiles,

Kim

A Random Act of Kindness......

This week I have been busy working on two entirely different pieces of art and trying to get my art photo's ready for my new site. As I was looking through my photo's I discovered how behind I am with organizing my families photo's. So iPhoto book your it!  I use to take photo's and develop doubles and create an album for each of my kids so they would have their own albums to leave home with. Well if there is any hope of preserving some memories of the last few years it is going to be through a digital album. Which I hear is all the rage so I guess you could say I am succumbing to peer pressure...wink wink!

Next week I am off to my old stomping grounds from my days as a clothing buyer. I am excited about the photo opportunities as I take in the sites of Montreal. Oh and I am so hoping that my favorite little pastry shop is still there.

The piece below is inspired by girlfriends garden. She is by far a gal with a green thumb and understands the importance of form and function of a garden. I am just waiting to see her featured in Canadian Garden Magazine as her gardens are beautiful. Yup Jod's that would be you girl.......

Garden Bliss

After my run today which once again left me a little cold ! I will get this layering for winter in Calgary, down one of these days. I headed to Starbucks to indulge in my new favorite drink which needless to say can become a pricey habit. As I sat in the drive-thru the car in front of me either full of high school or university gals ordered their drinks and were off. I had been thinking to myself  as I waited in line about those starving student days when it meant the difference between a new pair of shoes or eating KD for a month.They pulled off and I pulled up to the window and the gal at the window informed me that my five-dollar and fifty-one cent habit had been paid for by the gals ahead of me! So although they are more then likely never to read this post they defiantly put a smile on my face and truly warmed my heart! Of course I will definitely pay it forward .........Thanks gals for your random act of kindness!

Green Tea Latte
Soy Milk, Extra Hot
With One Pump Of Unsweetened Vanilla ....
BLISS

" A Patchwork of Prairie Colour".

Lots of colour and fun going on in this painting. I have always told my kids to shoot for the moon in all that they do..... because really if you land among the stars it still is a great place to be! Inspiration for this painting really just came from seeing the quote below that I had tucked away in one of my creative journals from a few years back. Some new juicy paint colours and the need to use my favorite colors yellow and red and this is what I refer to as " A Patchwork of Prairie Colour".

Shoot  for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars....Les Brown

                              

" A Patchwork of Prairie Colour".

So the other area I have been researching and contemplating and researching and contemplating is a new web site. I am finally setting aside the time to work on a proper art website which means by this time next week I should have a new look and all my art can be viewed gallery style .I let things slide when my  iWeb site went down and it is so much work to get all the pics to a new site that I was dreading the task.However now that winter is officially here it looks like I will not have to worry about my yard because everything is covered in a blanket of snow.

 We have only been in Calgary a year (even though I was raised a prairie gal) I went for a run outside this morning and it was let me say after being in BC for eighteen years a tad bit frosty. I was running along listening to music,feeling like my lungs were frozen and my thighs were about to fall off do to the cold wind . When out of the blue and I mean out of the blue these two guys run by me in full military gear,guns and all. It was kinda of surreal and I thought first wow I hope they are military and then I thought they have to run in all that gear with those horrible boots on. OK I am not so bad off and as I looked behind me there must have been twenty more guys and gals running.Wow it was an amazing sight and it made me actually stop and think how grateful I am to live in such a great country, and how appreciative I am of the woman and men that serve and have served our country. As a little bit of a side note I also thought come on Nike ,Saucony, Adidas design these men and woman some kick....footwear because they could really use it! I guess that creative mind of mine never really stops working.......

Smiles.

Kim

Life is a journey.......So collage it!

"Life is a journey", as the saying goes. I have come to realize that as my life twists and turns towards and away from different paths I am truly grateful for all the places I have been. These experiences I have lived thus far have taught me how to laugh in the rain, appreciate those rare rainbows, and to lean in and listen to those whispers that are there to guide me. It has taken me awhile to realize that my art is not only an expression of who I am at the moment but a compilation of my life and all that I have lived and feel.  . So this collage piece has layers of me literally in it. From the letters written and painted over to the music sheets and  quotes that I hold near and dear. There is even a little Crayola crayon going on as well.....

Some of us discover early what we are truly passionate about and others like myself well lets just say we take the scenic route. In the end it doesn't matter how you get there as long as you arrive at a place that will fuel your soul.....for me that is ART.........

This collage piece was a lot of fun ! It is my whimsical  take on keeping a journal.............

She learned to 

Laugh in the rain.

To appreciate those

 rare rainbows.

To listen to the whispers in the wind

 that danced around her.

It is here where 

she discovered her

inner piece....
that her heart so desired.

                                                
                                             Kim Hicks

Smiles,

Kim

Tea Party

Last weekend I decided  to finally paint a new take on an old idea and it turned out to be so much fun. A few years back my girlfriend and I started making floor cloths which lead to chalkboards and somewhere in there a Half Marathon with some other girlfriends. However it was during my creative burst towards the floor cloths that I created a tea cup piece that I really did not want to sell but did...which meant new paints and canvases. So what's an artist to do ! This painting is about colour and because I tend to think in the abstract that is always another key element in anything I paint. So I am hearting this piece and I have hung it where it greets me each morning as I start my day.

Tea Party

Had an amazing run yesterday cold and all. It was short and t-shirt weather for runners here however today it is back to late fall temperatures. I run with my IPhone and now have started to stop and smell the roses so to speak by taking photo's when I feel inspired. I am so lucky to live in a city that is definitely diverse in scenery, people and endless possibilities for my next painting. I find sometimes when I run that I am so into my music,my thoughts and keeping my pace that I miss out on some amazing photo opportunities. I decided I had to stop and take three pics during my runs and it is amazing what I have had the opportunity to photograph. 

Love to sail....can totally see me painting this into
 a very whimsical piece!

So this little guy followed me for 4 km landing and flying
ahead  of me and then  landing....so neat!

My spot at the end of a run ....

This last pic is of a  great spot I found to sit and listen to the water lap up against the shore at the end of my run when I workout here. It is awesome..... People ask me if I miss the ocean or the lake since our move to Calgary and what I miss about them is lying in bed with your window open and falling asleep to the sound of the water lapping up against the shoreline. So this is my spot that I shut my eyes and for a few moments I get to listen to that sound. As my kids pointed out I am sure there is something on iTunes you  can download mom. Too that I just sigh and know that some day they will understand. Maybe with the winter freeze ahead I may just do that but for now there is nothing better then ending a run and heading to sit on my log and listen to the water lap against the shoreline!

Smiles,

Kim

Sunshine

A little down and out with a cold this past week, the one my whole family had and I really thought that I had it beat.....was I wrong! So I had a few PJ days and I decided that I needed to paint a little sunshine! I added a little bit of texture thanks to  Golden medium molding paste which is my favorite way to add texture to my art. Working on a real fun painting with teacups right now so I  will post it as soon as it is done. 

So I think this will be perfect for my downstairs powder room. Bright and airy and fun ! I had painted the powder room a few weeks back and now I am on the hunt for an old window that has been made into a mirror. I love transforming spaces so there is always some room getting a makeover. The most fun is reusing or revamping what I have and of course having art to add to the transformation is always handy.

Smiles,

Kim

Smiles,

Kim

A Tiny Piece of Prairie Whimsy

Wow, I wish I had taken pics of this painting from beginning to end as it went through so many changes. I painted this during my last few art classes and it started out very fairy tale like and then it became  more realistic. But I just was not happy with it so was ready to shelf it for awhile as I have done in the past with other pieces of my art.

A Tiny Piece of Prairie Whimsy

However, my wonderful art instructor took one look at the brown cabin I had painted and said you need to listen to your heart and paint from that place. As soon as I did the colour and whimsy I am known for came through. I have always painted with colour and as she pointed out you really need to be true to yourself because your art is an expression of who you are. So I am hearting the end result and I am listening to the quiet or sometimes rather loud whispers of my heart as I start my next piece.

Smiles and a little bit of whimsy,

Kim

Fall

Holidays are over and the days are cooling off, and around my home I call this " Bunker Down Time". Crock pots,soups and my fireplace on in the morning ( easy peasy because it is gas).  Kids are off to school, well until that first cold strikes which has happened already. My gal was home for most of last week with Strep Throat, the poor kid just seems to get everything. I believe now she should have spent more time in the sand box with her younger brother who seemed to digest more sand then food on some days and who never seems to get sick.

As for me cleaned like a crazy women and now I am painting the downstairs bathroom and laundry room. The kids call it a cave as it is on the darker side so will freshen it up and I am on the look out for a mirror with a distressed wooden frame. Thinking that the mirror just might become a DIY project. Still running lots as it is my solace to the ebb and flow of everyday life. It seems all this running has me in in need of a new pair of runners so here's hoping someone in this wonderful city carries a 10.5 Nike Pegasus.

Have discovered something about myself that I thought was darn near impossible and I am sure if any of my grade school teachers new this trick they would have had me standing in class years ago. Turns out if I stand at an easel and paint I can do it ( like for three hours....) and my mind does not wander in fifty directions and I stay put. Yup me stand still for any length of time is no easy feat and anyone who knows me can attest to that.This little trick I picked up from my art instructor and of course it also allows you to see what you are creating in a whole new light. I had mentioned I was going to be taking an art class and I am truly hearting it, there are thirteen artists in the class and it is truly inspiring.  I am working on three new pieces which are completely different and will post when they are finished!


Smiles,
Kim

Loving the lake!

Loving the lake! Hearing the Loons at night and waking up to the sound of waves against the shore is a gentle reminder of how wonderful life's simple things are.

Have been trying to sketch but I am taking more photos then I am drawing.
I love the colors this time of year as the leafs start to hint that fall is just around the corner.

It has been crazy hot here.The heat has had even me, in and out of the of the lake with the kids. Of course the kids out last all adults and I remember my mom having to drag me out of the lake when I was their age.

So treasuring these easy days of summer as school starts next week for the kids and life just gets a little busier.

Smiles,
Kim

Sunflower,Golden Paste,Runners and Words of Wisdom......

I received an email asking me how I got the texture in the sunflower painting in my last post. I used Golden medium molding paste. Love this brand it mixes easily with paint and I usually leave over night to dry. This piece I mixed the color right in with the paste and then added more color once it was dry. However sometimes I will wait until the paste is dry and then add the color, both yield great results.

My 5 km run today along the river in the sunshine was a breeze.Feels great to be back at the 5 km mark which is where I will stay for awhile. I have my mind set on a 10 km in the fall so any further then that and I will need to join a running group for motivation and of course the chit chat. For now just my music is enough and yup I am loving country. So right now I am hearting  Luke Bryon, Tailgates and Tanlines and Vancouver Island girl Kylee Epp who has performed with some amazing artists and currently has four great songs on her site one of which is available on itunes.

Thought I needed a bit of a change so because we will be up at the lake I decided to get my hair cut way shorter than usual. I had a funky short cut when my kids were younger. Not loving my new cut but my hair grows fast so by middle of September it will have grown out. Therefore not posting a pic .LOL

On another note Kelly Rae Roberts, is an artist who I follow and admire. I have taken her course Flying Lessons and she is so generous in all that she shares. Her post today "the wisdom lives inside how we choose", is worth a read and as always she has an insightful way with words.

Smiles,
Kim

Spelling and Grammar....Yikes

Well I have no problem being forty-five except for my eyesight. I have reading glasses everywhere and I know I am not alone as everyone seems to sell them even the local gas station.  I love blogging from my iPhone however my eyesight and auto correct has made it some what of a challenge. If I was to share some of the text messages that I have sent you would know what I mean. So yes, big typo yesterday with Naturopath which was auto corrected to Natural Path. Grammar well that is another story but as I was feeling somewhat discouraged with myself  I quickly changed my tune after I read one of my bookmarked blogs Momastery.Mistakes happen and that is life and I am so like Glennon the gal behind Momastery in terms of if we wait for perfect then we may never get a thing done. I would never get a post up if I freaked out over every detail so I am letting the spelling and the grammar go. Yikes my University professor would be flipping out about now but this blog isn’t for marks, but a place for me to share my art and the daily ramblings of my life.

On another note I am very excited to be joining a Friday art class at Swinton's  in September. I am looking forward to learning something new and really keen about working with oils. Having been self taught I am open to all that I can soak up from the instructor. It will be nice to have the energy of the other artists around me as one creative soul always seems to fuel another.

Until then I am looking forward to some days at the lake. I have not been on my wake board in a couple of years but it should be like riding a bike......... right? I had a bit of a crash the last time I was on it so I opted for surfing behind the boat which provides a much softer landing. However these days I am feeling braver so as long as I don't get competitive I should be fine. Now the knee board my son beat my record of fifteen 360's so that is another story I may have to get that title back! 

Hope all are enjoying the last few days of summer and thanks for the emails it is always great to connect with other creative souls.

Smiles,

Kim

P.S. I have had to repost this four times as something funky was happening to my text when I uploaded my picture. So I hope you get to read this one! Wishing you sunny days!

A Prairie City

I have had this painting for awhile and I just could not finish it. However, today while working on a new piece I decided that it was now or never. So finally after months it is done! My work space is a complete mess and I know I am not alone here from the  blogs I follow, seems a lot of us creative types work better in complete chaos. It is amazing how in every other aspect of my life order is necessary but in terms of being creative it does not even faze me. I just get lost in my music and whatever I am creating and time seems to just happen. I know my teens are going to read this and try and justify their rooms as their creative spaces. So to my kids, as long as I can see your floors and there is no dishes turning a funky green I can live with your creative mess. Yes, I just said that!

So lots of painting this past week as well as running and eating healthy. Part of the eating healthy for me meant giving up coffee and dairy. It has been a little less then a month now and I have to say this crazy Restless Leg thing I have is almost nonexistent. Yup years Naturopath for testing my food sensitivities. I am missing my Starbucks coffee the most, but decaf green tea hot or cold is my new drink of the day. I am hearting my sleep and waking up feeling so much better it makes it all worth it. 

Smiles,

Kim

Daily mantra and my new piece.....

Ink, acrylic paint and my daily mantra which has done me well through the twists and turns of life."Simply Breathe".

I used my fav fluid acrylic paints, watered them down and presto a watercolor effect which I am hearting.
Also loving the softer colors and white background which is a complete contrast to my art which is usually very bright.

This mantra worked well for me early this morning, as the sun came up and my runners hit the pavement for day two of getting back to running. Yikes, I was struggling to find my pace but as I thought about my breath I found my groove. Also, special thanks to Nickleback, Lady Antebellum, Jason Mraz, Luke Bryan and Creed to name a few artists who took my mind off the pain or should I say the run !

Smiles,
Kim

Taking a moment in and around New York....

Geenwhich Village....

I was in New York last week and you could say I was lost in New York! It was business for my hubby and  

so my days were free to just be. Our nights were planned and therefore I planned nothing for my days and I wandered Manhattan, Greenwich Village and yes got lost more then once but there was always some friendly New Yorker to set my compass straight. I found little shops ,a street market full of artists and so many cafes that I am home craving my daily fix of something freshly baked. I love the village it is so diverse in community and its brownstones, cobblestone, and quaint shops are so charming. It was hot and humid so I have to say that waiting for the subway underground with no air was not fun but saved my poor feet! 

Found  my address in the village....

Saw two great Broadway shows Spider-man and Ghosts. I booked one and my hubby booked the other and you can probably guess who booked what. Ghosts used amazing special affects, and the story is one of my favorites, even though Spider-man did land right beside me in his tights! It is good to be home, it is such a busy place so I am enjoying the abundance of  greenery and quietness. However, I am grateful for the chance to travel as it has given me a glimpse of a world beyond which I live and has opened  my eyes to all the possibilities that life has to offer. 

I heart red front doors....

I am working on a new piece and really trying to not worry about making mistakes and just letting my creativity take me where I need to go. It is on cradle board so I have more options with adding things to it so

it will be interesting to see where it takes me. Like my trip you may never get a chance to experience or try something new if you don't allow yourself to take a different direction!

Smiles,

Kim

Art Classes at Bumble Bee Studio

Just wanted to give a shout out to my creative friend Les. She will be teaching art classes at her Bumble Bee Creative Studio, located in Nanoose Bay on Vancouver Island. All the details are listed below.

Bumble Bee Art Class

So just wanted to share a few pics from My Bumble Bee Art Class on Vancouver Island. It was as I said the other day so much fun and it was a room of gals of all ages.  Loving the Pom Poms that Les had from her son's grad

Bumble Bee Creative Studio

Love this !

The talented and creative owner of Bumble Bee Studio
Lesley Seselja!

Loving the colors on both of these!

Dreams

I am so grateful for all the good that life brings my way. I had so much fun this week on the island visiting family and friends. Of course being asked to be a part of Art in the Garden was a major highlight! I have been wanting to teach an art class for a while so this turned out to be just as much a lesson for me as it was for those in my class. I had all ages which was challenging ,inspiring and loads and loads of fun. The best part is that we had a lot of people sign up for classes so now Les's ,"Bumble Bee Studio" is officially on its  way. I am hoping to combine a trip in September to come back and teach a class and take in Sarah McLachlan's concert in Stanley park. This piece I worked on and finished while in Bumble Bee Studio this past weekend!

she listened to her heart

and followed her dreams



Smiles,

Kim

The Boom Booms

I am such a lucky gal. I spent the other night amongst friends over looking my girlfriends gardens and her spectacular ocean view while drinking wine,and dancing to The Boom Booms live.

So much fun ! I love my music, and this Vancouver band did not disappoint. The band will be performing on Sunday,September 15 in Vancouver's beautiful Stanley Park. Helping one of my favorite female vocalists Sarah Mclachlan raise money for her local youth music school. Performing with Sarah, Bryan Adams, Bill Clinton, Hedley, Chin Injeti, Stevie Nicks, Jann Arden and more!!!! For more information go to http://www.voicesinthepark.com/line-up/

Thanks to my good friends Dave and Jody Shworan for a great evening....Now all I need to do is coordinate teaching an art class here on the island at Bumble Bee Creative Studio  with Sarah's concert date and I just may be back sooner then I thought.

Smiles,
Kim

	The Boom Booms , Vancouver Island, BC

Parksville Beach, Vancouver Island

Back to the beach....sunshine,sand and
the ocean. Beautiful sunny day for a walk on the beach with my mom and dad.

So busy visiting friends and family and
taking in Sand Castles, and out to Coombs which is known to be the place with the goats on the roof. Nice to be back as it was a great place to raise the kids when they were younger.

So here is too sunshine,beaches and good friends and family.

Smiles,
Kim

Live Love Laugh

             

 Here is another sample of my  mixed media doodle art, I have made for Art in the Garden which I will be teaching  at  Bumble Bee Creative Studio July 1 at 1:00 pm. I am hearting the happy colors it must be an influence from all the sunshine we have been having. However, I never thought I would hear my self say this but I am enjoying the overcast sky today and the lower temperatures as it has been so hot here.

Excited to have one of my girlfriends and  her family coming for a visit from Vancouver Island today. We have been girlfriend's for a number of years, and her and I have shared many a stories as we ran together. So I am sure it will be a late night as we catch up over a glass of wine or two. It is so true how there is nothing like a girlfriend to make everything better,to laugh with and and at times shed a tear or two with. So we have ran a half marathon together,traveled together and of course and most important have listened to one and other and given nothing but support.  Through a simple cup of tea, a hug or some serious laughter.......and there has been a lot of laughter. 

Smiles,

Kim

Nanoose Bay Art in the Garden

Hey everyone, I will be teaching a fun mixed media art class at Bumble Bee Creative Studio July 21 at 1:00 pm located at the Nanoose Bay Art in the Garden art show and would love to see you there!

I love sayings, messages, thoughts they are all over our house and I mean on little stickies in drawers, on my art , my custom made chalkboards to name only a few locations. I love the written word and although I heart where technology has progressed too, I miss  hand written letters and notes. So I guess this is the inspiration behind my "doodle Art".......that and I am running out of surfaces in my home! So

Smiles.
Kim

Believe

     

It has been a busy week here in Calgary, as the Stampede celebrates its 100th anniversary. So between company and hitting the Stampede there has not been a lot of art happening. The city of Calgary is alive with  visitors from around the world joining in on the celebration, not to mention some really rockin' cowboy boots.!

However, I did manage to finish my " Believe", doodle and I am loving the color and I hold the message that I created for this piece of art close to my heart.

Believe

in

your dreams

your truths

and the quiet 

whispers

that make your 

         heart sing                           

Smiles,

Kim

Art on the Garden

Well,I am heading back to Vancouver Island to visit family and friends and take part in a fantastic art show.

Leslie and Mike open their home and property for artists to show off their art.
At the same time they donate the entry fee to Nanoose Bay Food Bank. Their property is absolutely beautiful with Artist set up around the pond,live music and food.

Art in the Garden is July 21 & 22 at 2525 Northwest Bay Road. I will be there teaching a mixed media class where you will get to take home your own creation. So be sure to check it out at www.nanoosebayartinthegarden.com

Smiles,
Kim

Stopping to smell the flowers.....

Well, I have been putting off moving my website from iWeb and it finally happened my site came down. So it was wonderful while it lasted but I am looking forward to a new look which should happen soon!
As I was thinking about the direction I wanted to take with my site and it's purpose I couldn't help notice this very busy bee in one of my favorite flowers the Peony...Love Love Love them, great childhood memories of staying with my great aunt on her farm and all her gardens being lush with these flowers and of course she spoiled me rotten so it was a wonderful time always.
So as I work on my site,paint and prepare for a class I will be teaching on Vancouver Island in a few weeks I have to remind myself to step back every so often and take notice of all the goodness around me...........and it is truly amazing all that you get to enjoy when you take a moment or two.
Smiles ,
Kim

Doodle Art

Sunshine, coffee and a fresh canvas. After a short stint of rain, which only a newly transplanted West Coast girl can say.......my Calgary friends would disagree but three weeks of rain with blips of sunshine trumps months of rain and very little sunshine.

I am hearting my "Doodle Art", so much fun and even better as I doodle away on a warm sunny deck.So here is the try something new part I have been using my left hand to draw which is very interesting for a right handed gal. Next I will try painting with my left hand but for now I will stick to drawing. Just another step towards moving out of my comfort zone! I

So here is to summer which has finally arrived and to days spent barbecuing,
enjoying friends and family and of course to that special summer drink.....
Smiles,
Kim