I am so pleased with this picture and it took not an ounce of skill to take, there was the Mama cat resting in the shadows just waiting to be photographed for our pleasure.

But I am ahead of myself. Today was a day to relax and I headed up the highway to spend the afternoon chatting with dear friends, and admiring a lovely baby. The sky was blue, the heat dry and I drove with the windows down, singing badly. After a luscious lunch (I need the souffle recipe please) and lots of chat we set off to wander around the garden and to feed the pigs.

The pup rolled playfully under a fruit tree, as we wandered passed swatting flies and swapping stories.

The pigs, next years sausages for those with stronger stomachs than mine, were delighted with their afternoon feed, and seemed to enjoy the company too.

I enjoyed the texture and colour of old buildings such as this grain shed, and the old tin stalls below.

As I clicked off a few pictures, enjoying the contrast of rusty metal, green leaves and blue sky I did not realise the prettiest picture of all was just inside.

Between cobwebs and dust, one paw hanging down lazily, the other tucked under to lean on; a beautiful mother cat, at peace.

I drove home reflecting on friendship, the season and glorious sunshine and felt some of the year's tension ebb away; my body beginning to relax.

I am not sure these sheep appreciated my musical talents, or lack there of, as I belted out country tunes, window once again down, breeze in my air and a happier girl (when do I have to call myself a woman?) heading home.

This 200km stretch of road, which often frustrates and bores me, flew by without a single speed limit being challenged; a happy day.

Have you had a happy day? I hope so.

Animal Antics

I was tempted to title this post animal cruelty, after all it is about the hideous hair cut I organised for my Archer and an abandoned kitten, but there is fun and light too. Last summer Archer was very hot so I had planned to ask my groomer to clip him this visit - perhaps not this short.

However, Archer scented a treat on my art table and helped himself, attaching the bezels, full of freshly poured resin in the process. Cutting them out left him looking like he had mange. Poor boy he now looks like a cross between a dalmatian and a beagle and not my cuddly boy at all.

About two weeks ago a local vet found some three week old kittens abandoned on their steps, they were to be euthanised so my friend Suzie and her family adopted one, little Prada, pictured here. I was so blessed to have my kitten fix when she came to stay for four days while her new family are away. Lots of kitten cuddles and play.

This adorable blue eyed bundle has the staying power of the Energiser Bunny and the spunk of Danny Green, my three big boys all moved when she directed an unladylike hiss in their direction. Only Archer had the staying power to get through the little person fear and make a friend. As I type they are playing chase across the bed (both) under it (Prada) and around it (Archer)! Oh and the big boys are here watching and purring content to leave them to it.

Poor Arch, perhaps it took his mind off THE haircut; I have a feeling there will be more than three weeks between a good one and a bad one in this instance!

Oh and in case you are wondering, my wonderful groomer did exactly what I asked and thought Arch' looked wonderful. the best I could manage was, "Oh, so that is what he looks like underneath."

DECEMBER ETSY SALE

My annual Etsy sale has begun!

Thank you for your support all year - if you feel so inclined drop by my on-line store, or send your friends.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend. Fun photo's of Archer to follow.

A Beautiful Bargain ...

Recently I hopefully placed some bids in an art auction to raise money for Bernie Berlin's A Place to Bark and Meow animal rescue. From the beginning I had my eye on this delightful Carla Sonheim original and was stunned when I won it for not much more than the cost of a couple of prints. The three dogs, the ginger cat and the bird all have a fish of their own but none will start to eat because they are focused on the other animals. Just beautiful, and such a life reflecting story.

These A7 collages are for a 2010 Calendar swap I am a part of, layers of red papers, gesso, paint washes, stamped images and finally some stitching and rub-ons. They make me smile now, I hope the other 11 artists like them too.