Yes, we actually put the Christmas tree up before Dec.1!This was a first for me. I usually drag my feet when it comes to pulling out the holiday boxes. I think my higher power must had known something was up, and knew I better move a bit faster this year.

Over the weekend I found myself in excruciating pain, and unexpectedly ended up in the emergency room. A battery of tests including an endoscopy, revealed that I have an ulcer. Luckily I was given iv fluids and an injection for pain, both of which made me feel a million times better.

Even though it’s been a couple of days I’m still extremely tired and my tummy aches slightly. The doc said the medication will start healing the ulcer right away. It was wonderful to be welcomed home by our lovely Christmas tree. I spent most of Monday napping on the sofa next to the twinkling lights. I’m convinced this magic tree is making me feel better.

The healing tree!

Tiny angel with glowing wings.

Yes, I’m one of those weird chicks that names their bike. Petal is my pal, and I can’t imagine her without a name. Her shiny fenders are donned with big red posies which made naming her a breeze. I’ve been exploring local areas on my beloved beach cruiser the past few weeks and have become addicted to hopping on Petal at a moments notice. I’m even braving fog, mist and chilly temps! I have a large fleece hoodie that works great! The cozy hood tightly ties around my neck and the sleeves are so long, I can use them as pseudo gloves. I look like a total dork, sort of a cross between a rapper and a nerd….I guess you could call me a “napper”!

The best part of cruisin’ on a bike is you can feel a cool breeze on your face, you can cover more territory than on foot, and can lose a few lbs. in the process. Of course the most awesome benefit for me is that cycling is neuro-protective. It’s actually one of the best things a Parkinson’s patient can do to improve symptoms.

All of the photos posted today were taken at a park Terry and I discovered on a recent ride…hope you enjoy tagging along with us! Have a great week gang!

There are trout, bass and catfish in three seperate lakes.

The gardner's secret corner.

A lovely family enjoying some quiet fishing.

My wingman keeps me on course.

The still water made for awesome reflections.

A quick break for a mini foto shoot.

A majestic tree admiring itself in the mirror.

Freida, Lola, and Hazel. Yes, I name ducks too.

Leaf on steroids.

These gals get around.

The beauty made me glad to be alive.

Thurston...just in case you were wondering.

Oak trees understand the language of the universe. P.S. They love to be hugged.

These little red berries make me think of Christmas.

The squirrels made this....I helped a little.

I feel blessed that I can ride Petal and enjoy nature's magic.

Good morning my little full-bellied turkey lovers. I was a non-traditionalist yesterday and ate prime rib. I made the mistake of cooking a bird a week ago, which meant me and the mister were totally turkeyed out. We also caught a new movie starring George Clooney called The Decendants. How can you go wrong with George right? The film was shot in Hawaii which is where Terry (hubby) was born, and both of us were rather excited to see it. The film itself was a bit heavier than we expected, kind of a downer for a holiday. However it was well acted and the two young girls in the film were spot on. George of course, was as charming as ever.

I’ve been having an official brain flurry lately. That’s when you’re involved in too many projects at one time. My slow moving brain is having a hard time figuring out which one to work on next. Oh yeah, I have to toss Holiday shopping to the list…oh my. Here’s a peek at my current to-do list:

I want to finish the Ode to Leonard piece (large door) and also clean out the garage...eeek!

Need to finish "Broadway Babe", it's been a year. Also have a bunch of prepped panels ready for new artwork.

This piece is in my bedroom and I want to collage the drawers in plaid and paisley decorative papers.

I also want to collage these two vintage suitcases in funky 1950's images.

I want to finish a children's book I've been working on titled "The Things I've Seen."

I've been sketching in front of the t.v. at night under a big furry blanket, now need to watercolor the pages.

That's a ladybug running the mile...go girl!

Yep, that's a pig that giggles when he wiggles...you too?!

Also working on a grown-up book...here's a peek at the outline.

Hey gang, a friend of mine sent this to me today and I LOVED it! Amazing camera action, plus I dig the music in the background. If you have 4 minutes to kill and want to be mesmerized check out the video below. (P.S. Did you know bats pollinate?! I had no idea!)

I’m not a gym rat. Never have been and never will be. I’ve joined a ton of gyms over the years, and the only thing I end up with is guilt. Guilt that I haven’t been there for a week, guilt that I went 20 minutes on the treadmill instead of 30, and guilt that I left the Pilates class halfway through. I don’t like the smell of gyms, I don’t like the sweat residue that’s on everything, I don’t like the stale air, and I usually don’t like the music playing. I don’t like gyms.

I enjoy walking, but I wouldn’t say I love it. Running is totally out of the question, I’ll pull my PD card on this one. Yoga is cool, although I know my brain is in need of a bit more aerobic activity. The best thing I can do for my dopamine deprived brain is exercise. Moving the body has been clinically proven to be neuroprotective. In other words, one way to keep my shrinking supply of dopamine producing cells around a bit longer is to exercise.

I have finally found a form of exercise I LOVE! Bike riding! I have been riding “Petal” (my beloved beach cruiser) every day and loving every minute of it. I love the cool air on my face, I love the smell of fresh cut grass, and I love the scenery. Best part of all, I’m not bored!

Terry is my wing man and he takes the lead. He continually glances back and makes sure I haven’t crash landed in a flower bed. Here are a some shots from a ride we took earlier this week:

Ready to fly like the wind! Wheeee!

My partner in crime...Terry.

This is why she's named "Petal". (Pedal too!)

Lovely touches of autumn everywhere.

The levee behind our house is a great place to cruise.

Even my bike has positive text.

Leader of the pack.

Beautiful day...not too hot, not too cold.

Wish I had this in my backyard!

Love seeing the flag flying high.

Can't forget our state flag!

Love these things. Look like they belong in Mr. Mcgregor's garden.

I'm crazy for fountains.

Guess where we stopped? Downed that iced tea in 5 seconds flat!

Love my handy dandy bike basket...picked up a few sundries at Tarjai.

Went home thru the park...sure was a nice ride.

I’ve been working on some silly pieces for possible licensing projects. Art for products is a bit different than art for shows. Not sure if I told you I had a few images picked up from Leanin’ Tree Cards.  I’m thrilled to be affiliated with such an amazing company and can’t wait to see my artwork on the rack!

Here are a few of my recent projects:

Garden Elly

The Perfect Day

Aloha

Angel of Grace

I Love Dogs

Snowmen Magic

Spring Whispered

A Joyful Teapot

Early Spring in the City