I Won ~ I Won ~ it's like Christmas morning

 Uplifting and Inspiring Designs by Valentina!

I was so excited to discover that I won this beautiful phone cover this morning from Valentina. 

She has the most beautiful intricate art designs and has definitely made her art work for her.  I admire all those artists that can take their craft and turn it into multiples.   She takes this Zentangle drawing to such a wonderful level with all the over the top colors and designs.  Then of course you can also get it on a duvet cover, a pillow, a wall mural etc.   Check Valentina out at Feeling Inspired, I think you'll agree her work is GorGeous!   Hmmm, wonder how I can mass produce those shovels of mine!

Thanks Valentina!

Sometimes I Embarrass my Dogs

I've been working on lots of stuff over here, but due to the fact that someone I know might see this blog I can't show you the goofy things I'm working on for xmas gifts - so instead I will show you some other less important projects. 

I recently picked up a couple of hand carved masks at the thrift store: One because they were hand carved and two because they were $1.00.  I figured even if they were painted ugly perhaps I could transform them and embarrass my dog!  I think a did a good job on that last point!  Since I've been doing a lot of the Zentangle Art drawing I figured I'd try that on the masks.

 Such a patient dog!

And because it's Christmas time why not get them in the Holiday Spirit

 Harley on the left (he's a Pembroke Corgi) - Jaydee, she's a queensland healer

See the mortified look on her face!

She's so embarrassed!

That's it folks - It's gonna be slim pickin's on this blog until after the holidays.  Seems getting my act together to get xmas figured out before it gets here is always a chore and seems to get more and more difficult the older I get.  There's too much to do, too little time, and too many kids sooooo, if I have something of value to share (not like this blognote was of value) I shall return at a later date.

Stay well my Friends, Stay Healthy and 

Happy Holidays!

I'm Thankful For.....

1. I am thankful that I’m stubborn ~ it pushes me forward to keep trying.
2. I am thankful that my art has saved my life on a few occasions.
3. I am thankful that from my children I have learned valuable lessons.
4. I am thankful for my husband surviving the fight for his country.
5. I am thankful for my pets for their unending crazy antics that make me smile and their never ending devotion.
6. I am thankful for those that have gone before me that are watching over me, waiting, but hopefully for my arrival long from now.
7. I am thankful for surviving cancer ~ it guided me to this place of inspiration.
8. I am thankful that I’m still doing OK in spite of this economy and the money mongers.
9. I’m thankful that every day is always a new day to start over, be better, grow and hopefully those that matter understand the process.
10. I’m thankful for all those in my life ~ without you I would not be who I am in all aspects of my soul ~ good, bad and flawed.

And You ~ What are you Thankful For?

My Marlboro Man Knife Maker

The weekend show is over!  Amazing how long a weekend can last sometimes!  We came home with a little less than what we took to the show so I guess that is a good thing.  We can tell the economy is hitting hard for us "starving artists".  My husband however, hereinafter referred to as "The Marlboro Man Knife Maker (MMKM)" did very well this weekend.  Seems like the only folks buying this weekend were the men... and for themselves.  I can't blame them, MMKM makes gorgeous knives!

Unlike myself, he's a perfectionist! 

He spends hours backfiling designs and names into these knives

hours sanding and sanding and sanding

hours sharpening and sharpening

However, I do cut his knife blanks out of bars of Damascus

This beauty he made for my birthday a few years ago! 

Everything I love ~ turquoise, crosses!

He always has a lot of custom orders to fill and gained another three from the show.

So, if you're in the market for a gorgeous custom knife you can find him HERE and send him an email he'll put you on his list!

Arroyo Junkers & Their Lovely Ladies

This week ended in no direction I had started off in and so as usual I did not get out but one day to finish up the dragonflies for the Big Show this coming Saturday - I guess there is always tomorrow, if it doesn't rain again. 
My husband went hunting for 4 days, so I figured man I'll have so much time to work and not worry about cleaning up or get dinner, or taking a shower.. you know those mundane things, but unfortunately, I somehow thought it would be a good time to organize my "too many to mention" projects that I rotate around when I'm working in the house. I have things stuffed in any available space so I can work on them on the kitchen table, but it was all over the house and then I could never find anything when I needed it at a moments notice because it could have been upstairs or in the laundry room, or was it in the big credenza in living room or or or.....and so the story went for 3 SOLID DAYS!!!!   Perhaps I was feeling a little guilty after seeing some of my friends getting there places so organize like Lady D and Jerry@Hang Art and so they were my motivation.  I'm happy to say I think I can now find things easier and I also discovered (not really new information) that I have way to many hobbies..... or is that possible?

So really I just popped in and wanted to share some Arroyo Junker Beauties I recently drooled over.

 This must be the oldest Arroyo Junker I have ever seen - too bad they don't make tires like those anymore!!

 Ahh  and these lovely ladies - those Arroyo Junkers would be nothing without them!

 Hope you all had a terrific week and we'll see you soon!

Playing with Leaves

My friends... other than baking I've done nothing that I should be doing.  Starting tomorrow I'll have to get real busy creating some more Dragonflies for the upcoming show! 

However, before I went on vacation I posted on my "Gifts from Down Under" that Barry Smith sent me.  Well, his leaves were so beautiful they inspired me to see if I could also make them.  So, I did a little research of how to achieve this and of course Youtube is always an informative site for making things.  So,  here is my attempt at making a few leaves. 

They certainly don't compare to Barrys, but they sure are fun to make.  For my first one I used very thin roofing metal that is always available at the hardware store, cheap and I had some laying around.  As you can see the first attempt at heating the very thin metal was too hot or rather too long heating it up.  I sort of singed the edges.  The other sort of brassy leaves were of the same material.  Next I moved on to some scrap steel.  Those turned out great and then I sprayed them with a little vinegar and you have instant Autuum rust.  Now all I need is another 1000 so I can make a tree!  Wouldn't it be cool to hear the wind blow thru them making the slight tinkling sound of metal sort of like the breeze thru the cottonwood tree.  One of my favorite sounds. 

SooZeQue's Arroyo Lime Coconut Banana Slammin' Bread

OK.... I don't usually ever or actually never have I posted a recipe on my blog, BUT because I've been baking like a mad woman cuz my son is coming into town and I want to send him off with a few days worth of Mom's Cookin' (in the way of Cookies etc) to get him back to Bellingham, Washington (where he took my grandbaby!!! whaawhaa whaa)   I stumbled upon the most fabulous Banana Bread!!!!

Officially now referred to as

SooZeQue's Arroyo Lime Coconut Banana Slammin' Bread

This week I'm a food Artisan - not a welder.  :)

Seriously, this is to die for ~ It's not your typical tasting banana bread ~ it's heaven TRUST ME!

Look, look at the lime glaze dripping off the side - smell the freshness.

 Look closely.... I know you're headed to kitchen as you see this heavenly bounty!

 So I guess you want the recipe, Right.... RIGHT?  Ok Ok tis the beginning of the season and cuz I love ya..... here it is!


SooZeQue's Arroyo Lime Coconut Banana Slammin' Bread
2 Cup all purpose flour
3/4 teas baking soda
1/2 teas salt
1 Cup sugar
1/4 Cup (4 Tbs) real butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 1/2 Cups  mashed ripe bananas (about 4 large bananas)
1/4 Cup sour cream or plain yogurt   (I used that awesome Greek Yogurt)
3 Tbls apple juice or milk*        If you don’t already have some, just use milk!
1 teas vanilla extract
1/2 Cup coconut

 (Nuts are optional)

Topping: 2 Tbls additional coconut
Glaze: 1/2 C powdered sugar whisked with 1 1/2 Tbls fresh lime juice

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt together and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until blended.  Add eggs and beat to combine.  Add banana, sour cream or yogurt, apple juice (or milk), and vanilla.  Beat until blended.
Add flour mixture and beat at a low speed until just combined.  Stir in 1/2 C coconut.

Pour batter into a 9×5″ loaf pan that has been sprayed with non-stick spray.  Sprinkle additional 2 Tbls coconut on top.

Bake for One (1)  Hour or until a knife or skewer inserted in center comes out clean.

Note: Check bread after about 40 minutes.  If the top has browned and the coconut pieces are looking toasty, cover top of bread lightly with a piece of foil.  Continue baking until done.

When done, remove pan from oven.  Let cool on a cooling rack for about 10 minutes and then carefully remove from pan.  Whisk powdered sugar and lime juice together for the glaze and then drizzle over top.    Cool for another 15 minutes before slicing.   Wrap in waxed paper then in tin foil.

Bon Appetit my Friends! 

An NO it's not fattening!  Seriously!!!