I Need New Brown and Black Pastel Pencils.....

These are the last 4 portrait commissions of 2013. And, every one of the pencil sharpeners that I have doesn't work worth a hoot. So, with this much detail work, I needed to sharpen my pencils, but they tended to get chewed up and shorter, and shorter, and shorter as I tried to get a point. Le sigh.... But, I really like the way they all turned out, and I 'm happy to report that everyone was thrilled with their pieces. Now, let's get some more for 2014!!!!

The Warm, Moist Pink Center of a Christmas Standing Rib Roast

The kids were out of town and my friend, Amelia, and her honey, Jason had just moved into a new place so wouldn't be able to travel out of town for their families' Christmas. What better way to enjoy our traditional roast beef and Yorkshire pudding Christmas night dinner than to share it with them?!?!? Jason entertained us on the piano, Jeff out-chef'ed himself and Amelia was her witty self. Much laughter, talk and wine was had by all.

Christmas Red and Green- and Missing the Kids

Well, Travis and Emory are in Paris. I am thrilled for them! But, Christmas just doesn't seem like Christmas this year, though, I do have to say, that going to a Christmas Eve service did help. Emory's graduation present to Travis was a trip to England to see their friends Helen and Louie (tho' Louie was in Thailand doing engineer work and would miss them by 2 days) for a week before popping over to Paris a few days before Christmas, coming home on the 27th. They were in a 5 floor-walk-up flat, complete with a kitchenette so Emory could make Christmas dinner- brisket, mushrooms, wine, bread, cheese.......and it was located right catty-corner from Notre Dame where Travis proposed so they attended a holiday service there and heard its bells all Christmas morning. 

Since they were away, it gave us an opportunity to attend a Christmas Eve service ourselves. Jack's family has always had the gift giving part of the holiday on Christmas Eve, so Page has not been able to go in years. The Circular Church is one of Charleston's oldest and most historical, including its cemetery. We thoroughly enjoyed the Christmas pageant - little kids dressed up as shepherds and angels, singing carols together and , my favorite part, the candles. We will have our family "Christmas" mid-January when the kids come a'calling!

The Light Amber and Sparkling Bubbles of Champagne!

December once again found me at the Rock Paper Scissors studio. I just love this place! The class tonight was about sparkling wines and champagne. It was so interesting! And, so much to learn! I wouldn't mind a refresher course (haha), and Cara, the sommelier, is planning to return every other month with this and other classes. I plan to attend.... Fifteen people had signed up, but only 9 actually came. Ah, all the more to sample for us! We would smell our wine, then another glass which held apple, lemon/lime peelings, or bread, then smell the wine again. Amazing the difference! It really brought out those aromas. And, we were shown how to use the bottle opener and had a chance to practice. Not being technologically advanced, I had a bit of trouble, but succeeded in the end. A bit more practice perhaps...... I had forgotten what champagne was like. When I do drink it, it's usually in a mimosa. It's like cotton candy! It's there, then just disappears! It's absolutely lovely!

It's Golden, Roasted Turkey Time Again!

Well, November 2013 found Jack, Page and me back in Williamsburg, Virginia for another Thanksgiving with Travis and Emory. I adore seeing the kids and cannot wait to live closer to them. It was a bit different this time. Page and Jack were busy house hunting. Travis was kind enough to indulge in my desire to visit the store Quirks of Art, so we spent some time there. And, some friends of Trav and Em came over for the big feast - wonderfully delicious as always because Em is such a fabulous cook. But, I didn't get any pictures!!! None of the feast nor of our happy group! So, I got one in of the kids on my way to the airport and snapped a couple of the gorgeous sunset from the plane as I was winging my way back home. 

Squares of Pelican Brown, Butterfly Pink and the "Tile Formerly Known as Prince"

Back to the crafting studio in November. This time to learn how to make coasters using tiles. The one with the weird design reminded me of when Prince got angry with the record companies and changed his name to just a symbol, hence "the tile formerly known as Prince." My favorite is the pelican, of course. It was easy, as I had imagined that it would be. I just like to know the exact way of doing things so it will easy enough to do on my own. And, I see lots of gift potential in these babies, let me tell you!

White Skull , Vibrant Colors for Day of the Dead

Heading towards the end of October I went for my first class at Rock Paper Scissors crafting studio for painting a Day of the Dead mask on a flower pot. Jeff came with me, and , on this particular night, the only other two attendees were the parents of Amanda, the instructor and owner of the studio. Lovely girl and her parents are a hoot! Much laughter, wine, and groans at our artistic endeavors. Once I put the hummingbird on mine, I absolutely loved it. I can't wait to attend more classes- especially if it involves power tools!

From Honey Gold to Hibiscus Burgundy - It's the Sunday Brunch Farmers' Market!

October 20th. The Sunday Brunch Farmers' Market, located on James Island. I just love farmers' markets! Their summer session ended in August, but the fall portion runs from October to the first of December. I never did make it to the first half, when there were veggies galore. Not that there aren't vegetables later in the season, they just aren't my favorite. Anyhoo, with loaves upon loaves of various breads from a local bakery, pastured raised chickens and eggs from those chickens, hand-made nut butters, chicken salad, dog treats, sheep milk soap, jewelry, pasta, raw honey, a florist, food trucks, and a woman with her own miniature horse, I hardly missed all the summer-time goodies.(PS -The Thai Rosella Hibiscus is what is used for hibiscus tea) I would love to return more often - different people each week provide musical entertainment as well as different vendors show their wares. I loved it and was so glad my buddy, Amelia, along with her honey, Jason joined me and Jeff.