Today I'm keeping my post short and sweet.
I woke up to the most glorious, crisp fresh air and wispy clouds which made for a perfect walk. I thought I'd share a bit of my view with you today.
I'm thankful for the hint of Autumn in the air. It has put the spring back in my step!
Here are a few more pictures of this morning's walk.
I hope your day is as lovely as mine is turning out to be ♥
I have no idea who linked me to this generous lady's blog, but I was the lucky recipient of this wonderful cut-paper bird giveaway! I had totally forgotten I had entered. I just love it and will frame it for the guest bedroom. Thank you Norma!
Many of you know I had the pleasure of stopping by Mim's house last Sunday. The meeting was short but sweet, each of us having to dash off in different directions.
It was so wonderful to see her beautiful home and the wonderful spaces and places she has to create her amazing art. And I saw original Miss Ems!! It really is something being in another artists space, especially if it's one you adore ;)♥
On my way out she handed me a gift wrapped in the most luscious, colorful textured paper. She said it was for my birthday "whenever it is!" Too funny.
I handed her lilies from my yard which looked pretty sad by the time I got there :P
Anyway...This is what I saw in the box! A handmade paper bowl
A couple of weeks ago (I'm so behind) my good friend Joss sent me this inspirational magnet. She knew I was trying to find more time to be creative. She always tunes into me:)
Thanks, dear friend. I look at this every day!♥
A new friend Martha passed this award along to me. Thanks Martha! Please check out her blog to see her wonderful drawings and paintings. She's also an animal lover and a dog trainer at Petco!
For those of you who have given me awards in the past you know what I'm going to say.
Please help yourselves to this one!! You are all beautiful bloggers to me ;)♥
12 Comments on Thankful Thursday: Full Plate, last added: 6/10/2010
Today, I am grateful for our men and women in uniform overseas: thank you for your service.
I am grateful for their families back home: thank you for all the sacrifices you make every day.
I am grateful for homecomings and reunions. May God keep you safe.
Hug your loved ones today. Thanks to James for the link.
This post has taken a turn from my original plans. I was going to post some goodies I was lucky to receive from some of you wonderful ladies, but now that I opened my mail not fifteen minutes ago I knew I had to make this post about Renee. I promised myself to always keep fresh yellow flowers in my studio as a way of always having her spirit with me. Yellow was her favorite color and she adored fresh flowers.
So after putting the flowers in water I go to the mailbox and there's a package from Margaret at Waterblossoms. Most of you already know her and love her as I do. She did a post about Renee (here) on March 15th. Margaret really picked up on the essence of Renee's spirit immediately and conveyed it beautifully in her post and in the beautiful ATC she painted. Today, as part of the package she sent me is the original ATC and printouts of the post and all the comments and a beautiful card thanking me for introducing her to Renee.
This is the original ATC in all its glory. It's a sight to behold in person, really.
Peg said that as she painted it it was as if she had a butterfly on her shoulder telling her muse what to do, line by line, brushful by brushful. She went on to write,
"It sang of renewal and light and rebirth...it sang of the lessons I personally gleaned from Renee...it sang of a free spirit and serenity. This original belongs to you~I will have it no other way...thanks for sharing Renee with me!" Peg ♥
Thanks so much Peg. You have no idea how much that moved me.
This is the stunning card and envelope it came in. Sorry for the shadows, I was just trying to find some natural light and the kitchen was the only sunny spot.
More goodies from her (and more shadows!)
8 Comments on Thankful Thursday: Mellow Yellow, last added: 3/21/2010
I have a huge list this week because I've fallen behind. Stay with me, it's worth it!
This smiling face is a hand drawn card from Mim with a little note about the collage below, saying she thought of me and had to send it to me! You know I love this raven collage!! I'll have to let the artist know how much I 'adore' it! Thank you Mim!!! xoxo
Up next is this happy yellow ginham bag adorned with a sparkly butterfly in a brown package from the Netherlands.
It was filled with goodies from Marianne and her friend Marja's from their trip to Hong Kong. It has a wonderful smelling sachet and a lovely silken drawstring bag with butterflies...
And this gorgeous pashmina from Marja which matches my eyes! You should see the pattern. Click to enlarge it! The photographs don't do it justice because I took them in terrible lighting.
I gasped when I opened the gift!
I've missed a couple of Thankful Thursday posts lately so today I'm here to catch up!
A couple of weeks ago Mim sent this adorable ATC because she said it reminded her of my dog Emma who is pretty much a reddish color. I just love the punched-out bone shape, the torn edge, and of course the MIM dog card it came in! Thanks Mim! Emma is waiting by the door ;)
Then Julie of "A Succulent Garden" totally surprised me with this wonderful owl atc sitting on a "Lolo" branch! It's hand-stitched and made if bright felt colors and it came in a matching card! Thanks Julie, I love it ;)
Miss Margaret of Waterblossoms sent me a sweet Valentine with one of her wonderful Heartangles. The message was "May your new roots allow your artistic muse to flourish!" What a treasure. Thanks Margaret! ;)
15 Comments on Thankful Thursday: Catching Up, last added: 2/12/2010
I've been remiss in posting my Thankful Thursdays since just before Christmas. I was in a tailspin and had a hard time seeing my way out of it, but here I am, finally ready to embrace this new year! For all of you wonderful friends out there who sent me things over the holidays, thank you so much! I appreciate the thoughts and gifts more than you'll know. Because I've fallen so very far behind I won't even try to post them. I did write or email all of you individually though, and if I somehow missed even doing that I apologize deeply.
Now I start anew with my first post of gratitude for things that came in the mail so far this year, and thoughts that came from the heart.
First there is this amazingly wonderful children's book from KJ. She bought it for herself last year when she was going through a rough patch and she knew she would pass it on one day to the next person who needed it. I think this book had a part in making me embrace my new life out here. This sweet book will help anyone who's feeling stuck, whether creatively or in your heart. This book is a gem with a wonderful metaphor for pushing through whatever life deals you. It is now my favorite book!! Thank you sweet friend. xo 
She also gave me this very mushy card. Look whose ears are poking out from behind the tree!!I think Emily had to stick her pink nose into everything ;)
Yesterday this beautiful note came in a silver envelope. It was from Suki and it's one of her own designs. I just love it! She was thanking me for my part in her ArtySoulSister's journal, as well as wishing me lots of creative days in my new studio. Suki's page was the first one I did and I had such fun! It was my pleasure Suki. ~Namaste~ 
Speaking of ArtySoulSisters, Jossie started the whole, wonderful project! There are nine of us ladies around the world each doing a page in the other's journal. Jossie sent a sweet note thanking me for being a part of it. She included this atc of the logo for our group. Thanks Jossie!
The project was and still is my pleasure to participate in with so many talented ladies! xoxo![]()
17 Comments on Thankful Thursday 2010 #1, last added: 1/15/2010
I have received so many loving gifts in the past few weeks. They've come in the form of atc's, cards, letters, art supplies and phone calls all from my wonderful blogging friends who know I've been down and who have all tried to buoy me up.
I don't have time to scan all of these wonderful things and post them individually because I'm still in the middle of the latest giant mess. (Cleaning up raw sewage in my kitchen and bathroom from a freak plumbing incident while we were sleeping!)
What I will do is this. I will refuse to keep my tail between my legs and whimper any longer. I'll dig deep into my reserves and find my sense of humor and the lesson in all this madness. I will not let the actions of one psychotic landlady to break my spirit. I will remember that by nature I'm a kind and loving person but shit happens to good people too.
Today I'm saying enough is enough. I'm digging through my boxes and taking out my art supplies and dammit I'm going to make some art!
So please forgive my lack of posts and comments on your blogs. Know that I treasure every good thought and gift you've sent my way. Little by little I'll get on track and show up like I used to. Hang in there with me.
When I count my blessings, (and there are many) my faithful blog friends are among them. You know who you are ;)
Okay then. Back to life as I knew it!
xoxoxo
There are many angels in my life, the most recent flock being my blogger buddies. I never would have thought such meaningful, heartfelt friendships could have evolved from this virtual space. I'm truly blessed.
One of the first angels I made friends with is Joss, aka Soulbrush.
She and I share many things in common including personal (inner) battles.
We will always feel that 'sister' connnection.
As most of you know she does this amazing art with a bit of an African influence. I was lucky enough to nab this beautiful ATC in a recent trade with her. I take the blame (proudly) for getting her started on them and for her deep addiction in creating them! Thanks Jossie! xoxoxoxo
Another angel I met along the way is Margaret from Waterblossoms. She does the most amazing series of ATC's with Zentangle flair like nothing I've ever seen before! Each new series takes my breath away. The other day I went to my P.O. box and there was a large package from Margaret. We're doing a journal project together ( ArtySoulSisters) but I'm not supposed to be the one that gets the journal after her so I was confused as to what the box was all about. This folder was on top with instructions not to throw it away because there were goodies inside! I love the little monagrammed notepad...
...and also this matching magnet and the notecard with the sweetest message.
No wonder she wanted me to make sure I looked in the folder! There were 2 exquisite cards with this image. It took my breath away! And she was so thoughtful to ask me to send the extra one to none other than my "Raven Sister", Renee! Yes Renee, it's in the mail ;) xoxo
But wait, there's something else in the box!
Margaret said she was in her favorite store in Illinois when something called out to her..."Lolo!!!"
OH-MY-GOSH!!!!
I gasped when I uncovered this beautiful wooden raven. I was speechless!
I photographed her next to my Jobi Pottery dish from my dear old friend Barbara for taking care of her kitty. They look great together but I know Miss Raven will be happier under my beautiful birth mandala by Marianne.
Perfect choice!
Margaret, thank you from the bottom of my heart for sending me all of these goodies. I feel like you know me so well. I hope we meet one day! xoxo
Before I end this post I also want to thank KJ for her wonderful cards that make me smile and for her daily emails just checking in with me.
Many of you know I met KJ once and this weekend we're going to Provincetown for 4 days of fun. We'll be meeting up with Debra Kay (yay!) and maybe Suki??? We'll have to work on her. We'll be missing Mim who is by her MIL's side post surgery along with her hubby. Big hugs Mim!!
Soulbrush and Marianne were hoping to make the long journey, but work and other things have made it impossible. We'll share our memories with you when we get back. I know we'll meet one day!!
Oh, I almost forgot. It's my 3rd Blogiversary!!
Thanks for coming along for the ride ;)
xoxoxo
Lolo
This week I'm thankful for the chance to buy a wonderful painting from my (our) friend Soulbrush in London who finally opened an Etsy shop! When I get enough money together I'm going to frame this regally and hang it in a place of honor. I love it! It's a baobob tree inspired by her South African roots. (No pun intended!) Keep at it Jossie! xoxo Dearest Marianne sent me my Quan Yin card in a pink sparkly bag. I just love her! And she also surprised me with this wonderful blue hydrangea ATC with a special message and drawing on the back. It was a perfect get-well message when I needed it. Thank you Marianne! Your heart is huge.
Marianne also included this wonderful postcard and sweet note. This image is so soothing to me.
And it all came in this beautiful Buddha card. It's an image I will look at often.
You sure do know me Marianne! Bless you for these gifts of the heart.
Then I was pleasantly surprised by our friend in Malaysia, Yoon See! She sent a whole assortment of goodies:a bookmark, prints and cards, a commemorative stamp in a fancy presentation, and 3 of her prints below.
Thank you ladies. I'll always treasure these gifts from afar, but mostly I'll treasure what your friendship has come to mean to me.
Blessings and love,
Lolo
It's been a while since I've posted on Thankful Thursday. I had every intention to post yesterday, on time but then this happened! All of a sudden I was on all fours with shearing pain cutting through me. Trust me, I have thin ankles. This ankle is not normal.
So after two hours in urgent care today, here I sit with a big old boot on. What better time to list the things I got in the mail recently. If I've forgotten anyone, please let me know!!
Oh, they didn't find a fracture in my ankle but want to recheck it next week. If the swelling and pain are the same, time for an MRI.
I got this wonderful card from Linda at Stampmaiden just because she knows I love Frida Kahlo! It's a favorite card of hers that she had for years but unselfishly gave it away. What a doll! Thanks Linda!!
The stamped image was on the inside. So cool!
I got this packet of crazy finds from sweet Soulbrush! She even bought me "nothing!" (see lower left.) Only she could find something like nothing!
I'll use these goodies in collages that some of you will be getting. What a hoot!
Thanks, Jossie. You know I'm crazy about you!
Lynn sent me this beautiful postcard sized quilt of a beach scene because she had a drawing for her blogaversary. See the beach umbrella and the sun and the waves? I just adore these mini quilts!! Thanks so much Lynn. Wowee!!
My dear pal KJ bought me this T-shirt in Ptown. Why in the world would she think of me for this shirt? Hah!! I love it KJ. It's definately me!
And she also bought me this sweet wall decor as a housewarming gift. She thought it might go on my sunporch but for now it's in my computer/art room.
I love it! Thanks for being so sweet KJ and for always being so thoughtful.
I really feel like someone or something is being left out. I hope not.
Excuse me, I'm going to go ice my foot now!
Thanks everyone, really. xoxo
I've been sitting at this computer for three hours pulling my hair out trying to figure out my new scanner and photo editor!! I'm not tech savvy at all, but jeez all mighty why can't I find where my photos went to?? Are they just floating around somewhere?
Anyway, some of them got edited safely and some are just retakes with my camera instead of my scanner and they're not cropped. I just wanted to post my blogger gifts while it was still Thursday! Okay, rant over.
These goodies came from Debra Kay last week as a housewarming gift. Oliver made a stink about the card saying it was a poor excuse for an African Grey but I love it! I also love the ATC's and the thoughtfulness. Thanks Deb!! XX
Next, this is the stunning bouquet KJ intended to send me for my birthday, however, there was miscommunication (and cheating) on behalf of the shikester florist who delivered the ones below instead!! Buyer beware!
oops!! KJ asked me to describe the bouquet and as soon as I mentioned carnations and mums she hit the roof. "WHAAAT????!!!!"
Let me just say this, I still loved them because of the sentiment and the birthday remembrance, so thank you KJ. XX
Guess who sent me this card?
Hint: She loves jellybeans, chocolate pretzels and rolling down hills.
And purple polka dot bikinis!
Why, it's Emily V.V. Rabbit, of course!! What a funny card! I love it!
And I love you too Em.XX
Imagine my surprise when these goodies came in the mail from Marianne in the Netherlands! And while she was away in Sweden, no less. Wow, let's have a look!
There was a beautiful lotus mandala ATC, an Inukshuk (an Inuit word meaning 'in the image of man.') He represents a silent messenger showing the right path to follow. How wonderful is that? And just look at this framed mandala. The details are exquisite! Too bad I can't show you because I can't find the scanned image! Perhaps you can enlarge it. It's a beauty! I have all 3 underneath my birth mandala.
She also sent this delicate silk scarf with amazing, shimmery detail and this little pair of Dutch shoes in blue and white ceramic.
Not only that, she sent some rose scented moisturizer that is heavenly!
Thank you Marianne. Your generosity knows no bounds! XX
Of course I received lots of gifts from family and local friends, but I just show my blogger stuff here ;)
I've also received loving emails from Joss (Soulbrush) who as you know gifts me all year long! Love ya Jossie! XX
Whew, what a birthday and what a transition this still is.
Thanks for being such a great support team and lovely friends.
love, Lolo
Well, my dear friend Soulbrush did it again. I swear she tunes into me and knows when I need a little help getting my chin off the floor. Here's a card I got from her this week, and inside it was this wonderful ATC with well wishes written on the back as well as all of these 'inchies' with their own small messages. The whole presentation made me smile! Thanks Soulbrush. We'll always have that special connection!
It could very well be that Brian and I will be able to stay in this house if we can keep things workable for all parties involved. I just hope the day comes soon when I feel like myself again and not like someone who's been abducted by aliens. I think I'm having one huge out of body (and mind) experience!
Care to join me?
There were a few goodies waiting for me when I arrived in Rhode island. It helped ease the transition of closing one door and opening another.
Dear, sweet Marianne did this small canvas of the sun, moon and sparkling stars. The outer edge of the mandala has seagulls in the sky.I hung it up right away where I get to admire it several times a day. 
She also sent my "H" atc for hibiscus, which I love...
...and she surprised me with this cactus rose. Such a soft, beautiful painting.
Then she wrote a "Welcome Home" note of this Frida Kahlo card.
She really knows my heart.
Thank you, dear friend!
This card winged its way to me from a friend I left behind. She and I both love ravens/crows. All of the black writing is hers, playing off that game of "telephone" we've all played as a kid. The inside of the card says "We're not ready to accept your departure." I smiled for days at her humor!
(Click to read it. Pavels is a local bakery in Pacific Grove.)
The next piece of mail to put a smile on my face was Mr. Grouper, my "G" atc from none other that Mim. I just adore her drawings!
She wrote a sweet note on the dragonfly card by Lynn. Thank you Mim!
Speaking of Lynn, she sent my "I" atc card with none other that that hoochy-coochy Inspiring Ismerelda! She's one of my favorites! I'll bring her out every time I need to channel my diva ;)
She mailed her in another one of her beautiful cards. Thanks so much Lynn!!
Inside this wonderful card from Lisa B was my....
..."J" is for Jackdaw atc. The Jackdaw is the crow of the old world. I love him!
But wait....
She also sent this long box. I hope you can read the writing if you enlarge it.
Inside it was this....
...AMAZING hand painted crow's feather depicting the great plains where Ibis and (my totem) the crow are often found. WOW! Thanks so much Lisa!
You're so very thoughtful ;)
And yesterday I went to the post office and found this wonderful card that says it all from KJ! And the bonus of my first week here so far has been meeting KJ face to face. Yay!! It was easy-peasy, like having my sister stop by. Now our friendship has taken on a new dimension and has gone beyond virtualness.Is that a word? Anyway, it felt good to finally connect. I'd love to meet all of you one fine day.
I hope I haven't forgotten anyone.
Whew, what a first week!! One to be thankful for, for sure.
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Sweet! New appliances are always nice. Enjoy!
Thankful that my cat got a good health report today from her vet, at 9 years old my tabby is doing well except for plaque on teeth.
new goodies are always nice, especially when you have to wash dishes so they come out clean from a machine! Ours was replaced before Christmas and we are still not using the dishwasher, easier with only 3 people to do them by hand.
this is awesome, Kathy! there is always something to be grateful for, isn't there?! Congrats on the new appliances!!!! I have a new washing machine, too, actually "for Christmas" and I can't believe how much quicker I get through the laundry mountain. I'm lovin' it!!!
Fabulous idea! I'm grateful that I have such great friends. Sometimes we just need those in our lives!
My dishwasher is not functional right now, but it will be eventually, and I am still grateful for it. My fridge is not new either, but is newly cleaned and functional, and I am very thankful!