It is close to the end of June. OK I will sound old. Where did the time go? July is here and of course the 4th of July Parties. When the kids were little we had huge block parties. Bicycle parades, ping pong, water melon seed spiting contest and of course fire works...We had many a good time and one year when I decided I didn't want to take out the insurance waver at the city to block off the street, no one else would do it. Oddly that was the beginning of the end of our block. People moved, marriages dissolved, and friendships that we thought were forever, ended. We had quite a run, and I do remain friends with many of my neighbors. My kids were lucky enough to grow up with that security behind them and it is good. So off we go to a new party this year ,not the same but life isn't. I think life is like a river it always runs and we choose to jump in and take a chance we can swim or just stand on the side and watch. I prefer to jump in and much to my surprize many wonderful new things happen when I do. So Im off to swim tomy best ability today. I will let you know if I need a life preserver tossed in!

It's Monday and I just listed my Illustration Friday Picture. It shows a boy that has taken his school lesson just one more step. He and his faithful pets have hooked him to a tree and he is orbiting the globe on the ground. DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME! He is delighted and loves swinging around and around. I predict he will soon become dizzy and I hope Nick has made arrangements to get out of that tree! Spent the weekend with my Sister and Niece doing not much but hanging out. Our Mother is 91 years old so she just enjoys having her family around. Not for to long a time as she is set in her ways and has her way of doing things. I hope all have a good week and don't forget to keep checking out Ripple as Kelly is still doing a wonderful thing in donating to the gulf disaster. Byeeee for now......................

After a busy day yesterday it is nice to play catch up with my housework and art work. My Sister and Niece are visiting and we talked to my other Niece via Skype in Brazil....Gotta love Skype...my Son spent almost 1 year in Brazil waiting for his Wife to get her Visa to move to the USA. During that time he was really really ill. Skype saved a Mothers soul having a sick child so far away and not being able to help. His Wonderfu Wife took the lap top into the hospital and I could actually look at his face to see how he was doing. Mothers will understand...All is well and they are home but "I LOVE SKYPE" will be my motto....Love Ripple also... My life long friend Tish Rogers donated some beautiful sea paintings. I felt so proud....and I see they have sold of course. I feel so happy to be in the presence of all of the great artists...Love Kelly for coming up with the idea...I haven't been inspired by the topic "Satellite" as of yet for Illustration Friday...will think some more about it... Oh well off to the salt mines as they used to say......

Iam having soooo much fun with this Illustration Friday. I have had some great comments and it feels good to hear from other artist. I can hardly wait for Friday to see what is next. I sent in two more pictures to Ripple. It also feels good to help in some small way. Today is my oldest Granddaughters last day of 5th grade. I do remember 5th grade and in case I forget I still have quite a few friends I met in grammer school. We are all in the same boat as far as aging and helping older parents. But thats a subject for another day....

Iam a freelance artist living in Manhattan Beach ca. I love drawing and painting and if I don't get the chance every day I feel Im missing something. Here is my first piece of artwork for "Illustration Friday". I did do 3 paintings for Ripple last week as I thought it was such a wonderful way to help the horrible oil spill get better. I was inspired in this painting for "Paisley" by the stars and the names that they have. My little guys are talking over their opinions of what this star shape is. Im excited to join Illustration Friday. And Iam looking forward to other ideas.

Yes today is another day...Im feeling better, the back is not hurting as bad as yesterday. Ill try to take it easier today. Boy a day like yesterday always reminds me how importain health is. I know you all know that. I think we all need to be reminded sometimes. Off to do the things I should have done.....

Donated to the Ripples web-site today. It felt good to be helping in some small way. What a good idea Kelly has had and I think even she is surprised with the replys. Watching my Granddaughters throw water balloons at anything in their path. How they giggle and are delighted with the whole process..My scatic nerve is tender today and has been giving me pain since I moved several pieces of LARGE furnature myself....OOPHs you would think I would learn.......I like the results and the room pleases me....I hope the nerve will heal soon I don't like being in pain...thinking another day is almost over and tomorrow I WILL feel better...