Summer Gardening

Dear Country Mouse,

I posted these pictures on my other blog, but I really want to send them to you too! I have spent loads of time in my garden this summer, though I have to say its getting warmer and I doubt my gardening itch will last much longer. I always think of our English garden dreams when I'm out there. I have been listening to an audio book of Kate Mortan's The Secret Keeper and indulging it the narrator's lovely British accent.

I listened to another one of her books last winter during the slow days at the food truck. I believe it was The Lake House. I don't know if you're a sucker for British mysteries like me, but gosh I have a soft spot for them.

Anyway, here are the photos...

 snap dragon

 nasturtium

 crocosmia

 shasta daisy

 gladiola

 spearmint

 French lavender

 strawberry

 shasta daisy

 sugar pumpkin

 Japanese eggplant

 cherry tomato

How are all those succulents we transplanted when I was visiting?  Has summer been to rough on them?

Love you and miss you!

            City Mouse

A SPIN BIN, or so they say it is called...

Dearest Country Mouse,

I miss you! I feel like every time I look at a flowering bulb you come to mind. Eeks, SPRING IS HERE!!!

So over the last week my mama visited and we got a new bin/storage display container for my work-room. I still haven't even sent you pictures of the work-room but I will soon. Last time you visited it was a carpeted TV room... Now, hurray, it has the old carpet pulled up an the TV is out!

Sam helped me spray paint the bin (they say it is called a spin bin, but I feel like a dork saying it) as it was rather brown and everything in that room is very brown already. It made me think about us spraying the pie sign when you were here and I missed you a little more...

 But, Sam helped, and was good at reminding me to hold my breath. Gosh that stuff is strong!

 And now, voila, here it is!

Hugs and catch up with you soon!

City Mouse

Pi Day

Dearest Country Mouse,

Well HAPPY PI DAY!!!!!!! We celebrated like maniacs at the truck making 13 kinds of pie. THIRTEEN!

The day was grey and rainy, but I was impressed by how many people still came out to eat pie.

 Alright, well I just wanted to send you a few pictures...


Love you!!!

City Mouse

Snow!

Dear Country Mouse,

It's been snowing!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

                                                                         
LOVE YOU!!!!!!

City Mouse

I Can Paint!

Dear City Mouse,

 I've done it again. Today I bought an old book for 50 cents to repurpose as an art journal.  I took the book home, and added gesso to a couple pages.

 I'm sick and kind of depressed. I figured I would use the book to test out mediums and ideas.  Since I don't feel confident in my painting abilities, I figured it wouldn't come out well.  This happens to me every time.

If I'm using nice paper, it doesn't work out, but if I'm using junk, I love it.

 I guess I'm just going to embrace the gesso and keep trying on the junk till I feel more confident?

  Good grief I miss you my friend. Please write soon and send me some photos.

Love,

Country Mouse

P.S. I've been watching lessons on YouTube by Tamara Laporte.

She also does online classes at 

Willowing.ning.com

This painting was inspired by her lessons

My Tiny Marc Chagall

Dear City Mouse,

 It just occurred to me today, that the little doll I made for my book should be paining a Chagall in the opening scene.

 Chagall was a Russian Jew from Belarus in the same era my story takes place.

I can't believe it didn't occur to me sooner! I have painted the tiniest painting and created her paintbrush as well.  

 I took a hike with Genevieve this morning first, then painted the tiny painting, so you can imagine how much you have been on my mind.

 I love you dearly, and hope you can visit soon.

Love, 

Country Mouse

A Couple Portland Houses and I miss you already!

Dear Country Mouse,

I can't believe you really got to visit!! It has been such a thing of conversation and now it came and actually happened. Alas, you did go home, but still your visit is warm and near.

How has being back been? Was work as busy as before you left? I am glad we got to go over ideas for your classes, I think the nature crafts class will be super fun and the kids will be thrilled : )

I am adding a few pictures of houses here. I feel like you got to see so many, yet somehow everywhere I drive I see more I wish you could have experienced during your visit. It's no secret I want you to LOVE Portland. I dream that at some point you will come live here near me and we will have so much more time to play and and work together.

Miss you so much!!!

City Mouse

 (Can you believe that rounded porch opening?)

(Did you find the gnome?)

 

(And this guy makes me sure I miss having cats.)

P.S. Pictures from your trip. I have more, but I have yet to put them on my computer. I'll add them when I write soon! 

          Love you!

                       C.M.