Back in Action...

Hi Everyone!

I am back from a much needed time with MacDaddy... at least we had time in the car driving across the state. (But I'll take it!!!) MD had a conference in Palm Beach at The Breakers, so I tagged along. Let me unpack the bags and hit the grocery store and I'll get a post up with some awesome pictures....

Jane

ps: To Janey...Got back in time to see my AU Tigers. Yes, they are awesome this year! We are so PROUD of the boys...and the coaching staff. Phooey on all those nay-sayers who did not want G. Chizik as the coach. We knew he'd be great! He's a good man...

A Fall Day on the Dunedin Causeway

A beautiful Sunday...begins with brunch at Brenda's on the Causeway...a local eatery, just minutes from the water. "Brenda's" is one of those local hangouts where the same gang (usually over the age of 70) comes in everyday for an inexpensive meal...and gossip. Brenda (herself...and her waitresses are in that same age group) cooks on an open grill behind the counter...and talks with her loyal customers and friends. Her motto is something like this..."we're not Burger King. You have it MY way!" By the way...the French toast is delicious!

On the bridge to the Causeway and Honeymoon Island State Park, we spied this boat, coming in from a morning of cruising in the Gulf...

There were fishermen of all ages, angling for their supper.
I loved seeing all the fathers and sons casting together.

...and the little girls squealing at the minnows they caught for the fishermen.
These two were giggling as the minnows tickled their feet...adorable!

Cast nets and buckets were the beach accessories of the day...

These two sisters were having so much fun! I wanted to join them in their games...

But then, this man looked so completely relaxed. I wanted some of that peacefulness...

Shorebirds dotted the seaweed banks and coastal waters in search of food...

And if you look down onto the rocky gravel, you just might find a surprise...

The catamarans were out in full force...their colorful sails adding to the festive atmosphere...

...and the ferry to Caladesi Island zoomed back and forth all day...
Caladesi Island is usually in Dr. Beach's top ten list every year...and it's just a short boat ride or paddle from here...No cars can get to the island. Only a ranger lives there...

These guys are loaded up for a day's fishing. I sure hope they don't hook a shark.

(MacDaddy did that on his last kayak fishing trip...just a few yards from here! It was a 4 foot hammerhead! This is not a good thing to do when you are in a kayak!!!)

This fisherman was ready for a long day of fishing. Everything he needed was at hand...

extra fishing line, tackle and BEER were floating within arm's reach.

All good days must come to an end...this couple had just put into the water when we first crossed onto the causeway...now they are completing the circle of the island...heading back to their car.

And we are calling a tow truck... one of the hoses on my Jeep burst and we needed a tow to get to our mechanic...

Oh well...we still had a GREAT day!!!

Jane

I am participating in Outdoor Wednesday at A Southern Daydreamer

It's Hannah's birthday...(with the family)

This is me...my first day with my new family.

Two months later...I am getting so BIG!

I love cuddling with my sister, Hurley.

And sharing "our" sofa with Rowdy and Hurley...

And now...I am ONE!

I love dressing up... (at least my mom, Catherine, says I do)

Can you guess who I am?

"HANNAH POTTER"!

Happy Birthday to me!!!

Gourd-jus Tablescape and Art House Wrap Up

Well....for those of you who have been following my progress as a painter...the Fall Art House was held this past Saturday. Becks and I had a wonderful turn-out...lots of new people came through the house and we had valuable feedback. And both Becks and I had really good sales. (BIG SMILES) and we both have been commissioned to do some custom items. (Another BIG smile!)

But the absolute best thing that happened on Saturday is that I got to meet two of my favorite bloggers...Tracy, from Ms. Bake-It and Becky, from Beachsnaps (and Abbeystyle). I cannot believe that they came over...driving more than an hour to see my art. Thank you so much, dear ladies!!!!!

Yesterday, I had two speaking engagements...both were very successful. The first group, I demonstrated how easy it is to make a fall wreath. The demonstration and talk was well received. And...I was asked to teach this skill to a group of wonderful women. (the start of a new business?)

This is the "5 minute wreath" Idemonstrated. This photo shows the wreath as a centerpiece...

Last night, I spoke at another ladies group...all Greek! They were so welcoming and loved the presentation on tablescaping...

For this table...I love using burlap as a table covering for a fall table...or BBQ. I usually pull threads to "fringe" the ends and use the selvage (is that the correct term? I do not sew!) for the sides. The table runner is my favorite...one of Becky's creations. (I bought it!!!). The base of the centerpiece is a piece of wood I found in the garage about an hour before I had to leave for the talk. I quickly "stained" it with watered down acrylic paint and a chip brush. The grain of the wood is highlighted...The gourds are some I found last fall at Mark's Melon Patch in Dawson, GA. (http://artfullygraced.blogspot.com/2009/10/gourd-jus-centerpiece.html).

The fall leaves...well, we live in FL, where fall happens in December and January. So I have to use silk leaves from JoAnn's and Michael's. The candlesticks are those gaudy green ones I found at Steinmart last year...and PAINTED (burnt umber and mars black )!!! Plates are from Ross. Chargers are from WalMart. The napkins are actually tea stained white napkins. Take a good look at the table runner...the original photo did not do it justice. Now...do you see why I loved it so much?

(Note the pillow on the antique rocker...that's one of my painted pillows...it rests on the porch bench all summer.)

I am so blessed...I made new friends, met many wonderful women, shared my passions, and even earned some money.

Thank you, all my dear blog friends, for your encouragement and prayers. I am finally READY to take my paintings to the next level...

Hugs to all of you...

Jane

***I am posting this on Between Naps on the Porch...Susan's Tablescape Thurday Blog. Be sure to visit Susan and see all the wonderful tablescapes this week.

Sneak Preview...

Here's a sneak peek...

Three French Hens...
(8 x 8)

Shy Flamingo...

(10 x 10)

Oyster on the Half Shell...

(9 x 12)

These are three of the many canvasses which will be on display this weekend...

Wish us luck!

Jane