Friends Bearing Gifts

My last two weeks have been filled to the brim with family gatherings, greeting friends (both near and from afar), and spending time in the virtual classroom.

I am known as "Nana" to my four grand-children and last weekend I stayed with my  two grand-daughters (ages 8 and 5) while my daughter and grand-son flew to New Jersey to attend my eldest grand-son's graduation ceremony.....graduation from Coast Guard boot camp.  He survived which we were all grateful for.  My grand-daughters and I had so much fun while mommy was away making cupcakes for a welcome home party for their big brother.  I was coronated "Best Nana" as a result...Oh, the magic of cupcakes.  When my grand-son appeared at the door in his dress blues, this Nana's heart about burst with pride.  I found myself jumping up and down with excitment before I realized what I was doing.  There's something about a man in a uniform isn't there girls??  His visit home after graduation was brief and he is now stationed in San Juan, Puerto Rico for the next few years protecting our borders. 

A few days after our family celebration, a sweet friend of mine and her husband arrived on the central coast for an overdue reunion.

A lot of you know this familiar face....yep that's my friend, Diane Cook, or "Tex" as Riki Schumacher and I endearingly call her.  We so enjoyed our reunion as it had been a long 1 1/2 years since we last saw eachother at Adorn Me! in Texas. 

Diane came bearing gifts.  She knows what I love....look at those lucious baroque green pearls, OMG, and the hand-dyed silk ribbon, and the rhinestone brooch, and the Parisian token, and the resin-filled charm,  and, and, and.  Love them all....thank you, again, Diane!

(Susan, Stephani, Diane and me)

The visit with Diane and her wonderful husband, Allen, went way too fast.  But we did find time to eat a lot of great food, sample a lot of good wines, shop, share in a lot of laughter, story telling and artful ideas. 

I just had to introduce Diane to my art group buddies. Here we are above in my studio.  Diane was so kind to give us a private "show and tell" of her beautiful jewelry and a preview of new class projects that are on the horizon.  You are all in store for some wonderful new Diane Cook creations.

This weekend I have finally taken the time to go over the on-line "Skinny Mini" Photoshop class hosted by Kim Klassen.  I am learning slowly but surely.  Photoshop is simply amazing. Check out Kim's classes she offers...she is quite generous with her knowledge and comes from a very creative place in her instruction. One of my first projects was the "friends" photo at the top of this blog using various layers and textures to create it with. As a result of getting so inspired with the artistic capabilities of Photoshop, I went out yesterday and purchased a new camera (a gal just has to have the newest Nikon camera, right??) I am so spoiled.  I decided on a Nikon Coolpix P500 digital camera.  So, I have a lot of learning to do.....oh but what fun.....stay tuned.