A quick jaunt around the garden...

Hello!
When all other inspiration (for a post) has gone, the garden is always a lovely place to provide some.
Here's a quick walk around some of our lovelies:

Now, I'm hoping you'll close your eyes to the weeds etc that will pop up here and there.  If nothing else, the birds love to nibble on them!

So happy to see how my seeds of "Western Australian Daisies" are emerging.
A nice mix by the looks!

I always love it when those delicate little Begonia flowers start to peep out from the jungle.  Bringing up the rear are some Epis that are in bud... I forget what colour they are, so another nice surprise in store.

Our Loquat Tree has been inundated with flocks of Musk Lorikeets... they gorge and gorge.
We don't often see this type of Parrot, so it's been a real treat.

Poppies and Pansies (Johnny-Jump-Ups) are looking a bit worse for wear in the recent heat we've been having, but they're still beautiful.

Looking out from the verandah, this succulent came from my Mum's garden.  I haven't repotted it as she added other little tiny plants which show themselves during the year.
It continues to do well, albeit a bit gnarly in spots ... lol, kind of like us!

Here's the front view

... and the full view

Last, but by no means least, hanging in the verandah is the new addition of this gorgeous Fuchsia... a beautiful gift by some lovely friends.
I've filled the Header with other shots of this lovely.

~ Thanks for joining me, take care and have a great rest of the week ~ 

Cosy Punk ~ Happy PPF!

A few weeks ago I was looking at a post by a dear bloggerfriend Debbie of It's All About Purple blogspot showing her usually shy Cardinals whose colour really stood out in a snowfall mid January.

As I looked through them, I had a vision ---- 👻whooooo - lol.  Seriously,  I love it when inspiration gives me a nudge - so much better than whingeing around the place saying "I want to paint, but don't know whaaaaat".

"Cosy Punk"

Didn't have to think too hard for a name either.  I showed MD the finished painting and he immediately said "Punk"  - I knew little Punk would be cosy with that pretty purple scarf around his neck, so "Cosy Punk" it was :D)

Thanks to everyone for the great feedback re process pictures.  I've always loved to see them on others' blogs and kept it in mind for this little dabbling.

It was another attempt at using Masking Fluid (previous attempts ended in ... well, not good, lol).
I gained a lot of advice from a friendly art supplies lady.  She said a lot of people apply it with twigs, so I gave it a go - cool!
Also, it was a happy coincidence that
it had a colour so I could see where I was placing it.

Masking fluid dry and I pop in some watercolour.
Aw, cute little fellow's got a whole tummy full of seeds by the look of him ;D)

Background done, I used some watercolour pencils.
When I peeled the masking fluid off, the snow on the branches didn't seem to stand out very much so I used some acrylic paint for it.

I was too into it at this stage and forgot to take another pic, but it was more layers of watercolour over the pencils, and then in with the 0.1 ink pen.

🐦 Thanks very much for your visit, always much appreciated 

and thank you Debbie for the use of your darling Cardinals 🐦

I'm linking up to Eva and Kristin's Paint Party Friday.  

 Click on the image below if you'd like to have a look around, you'll be made so welcome :

Happy Surprises!!

**Surprise Number One**

You may recall in an earlier post:  "Gems and Frills" when I wrote about C, one of our dear granddaughters, being on a well earned trip to Paris.

Recently, we were thrilled to have a lovely family visit and catch up, when C so lovingly surprised us with some souvenirs... gorgeously delicious French chocolate and a beautiful painting.

The choccie has gone and the painting takes pride of place:

Here's some more photos of C's trip...

This is what it was like when trying to see the Mona Lisa!   


A different view of the Eiffel Tower:

Here's C enjoying her baguette, spread with Vegemite she'd brought from Australia,  for lunch in front of the Eiffel Tower:

... and finally, this is the lovely shop where C bought our delicious chocolate:

A great adventure indeed, and thanks dearest C for thinking of us - Hugs and Love, Grandma and Papa xoxoxo

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~//~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

**Surprise Number Two**

Today in the mail, this little sweetie arrived:

She's a Dotee, and her name is Aurora, isn't she gorgeous!!!  She was sent to me by Vee who's been a blog-friend for quite a few years now.

Vee makes beautiful dolls, bears and now Dotees and I'd happened to comment on how beautiful they were...

Here's a closeup of Aurora's pretty little face and curly curls:

I just know you'll love to see all of Aurora's friends, you can find them here "Vee's The Bearister Blogspot"

Thanks very much Vee, I'm thrilled to bits at your kindness and totally wowed, once more, at your beautiful creation.

P.S. I have to say, that Tinnie Bear has been beside himself with joy at Aurora's arrival.  I managed to get this quick snap as he was making her comfy after her long flight all the way from Canada.  Firm friends already!

Cheers now :D)