Art for the Romantic Heart by Wits End

Tricks & Treats and MIA

2010-10-30T13:24:00.006-05:00

i've been missing in action this month, i'm afraid - numerous family health issues have occupied my time but i enjoy finding moments to paint and so I bring you some recent, available items!

All are currently available at my Etsy store....just click on my "Etsy" link at the upper right of this page!

busy as a bee

2010-09-27T16:32:00.013-05:00

available

SOLD

available

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available

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available

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My apologies, dear blog readers, for my absence of new posts! I've been busy as a bee painting....here are some of my items that are available on ebay or etsy (links to my stores at the upper right of this page!). Hope you enjoy, and thanks for sticking with me!

signs of fall

2010-08-28T09:45:00.004-05:00

Colored leaves, ripe berries, apple gathering time and a nest that served it's purpose....all signs of the coming fall season!

behinder and behinder and a little catch-up again!

2010-08-09T16:04:00.007-05:00

Ugh i owe my followers a big apology...i have fallen behind in updating my blog once again. So, without further adieu.....here's what i've been up to!! I hope you all enjoy!

all available now, click here!

The Classics

2010-07-31T10:13:00.003-05:00

available tonight - click here!

SOLD

Wine and cheese, strawberries and cream, romeo and juliet .....the classics are always in style. Just like red anjou pears and antique delft porcelain!

bbrrrrr shiver shiver

2010-07-22T15:07:00.002-05:00

"They Dreamed of a Peppermint Forest", available now

The heat and humidity here are having me dreaming of frostier days!!

Help yourself to a cup of hedgehog?

2010-07-11T11:53:00.004-05:00

"Hedgehog Tea", available now

SOLD

Looks like someone has found yet another use for the versatile tea-cup!

Feathered Friends, Furry Friends, and a cup of tea

2010-07-09T19:15:00.007-05:00

what do they have in common? All of them warm my heart! Hope they warm yours, too!

all available now, click here!

SOLD

Simplicity

2010-07-02T11:06:00.007-05:00

THE KITCHEN CHAIR AND THE POT OF VIOLETS

THE SUMMER NEST

SOLD

WILD THINGS

SOLD

THE RUFFLED CHAIR

SOLD

The heaviness of the summer air always makes me want to simplify...to lighten things up....
and so i have created a few paintings that, for me, feel simple, airy and sweet! I hope you enjoy viewing them!

Interiors

2010-06-26T20:36:00.007-05:00

"The Kitchen Chair and the Pot of Violets", available now

I've been on a furniture kick lately......maybe it's the urge to purge everything i have and start over! Failing that, I just go ahead and paint a few of my hearts desires!

SOLD

The Blues

2010-06-19T13:27:00.004-05:00

Blues ..... not the meloncholy musical kind....the refreshing, cool and goes-with-everything blue! Like a blue velvet chair and a blue willow tea-cup: elegant and classic!

"BLUE VELVET CHAIR AND BLUE WILLOW TEACUP", available now (click here)

SOLD

A WHITE CHAISE AND LILACS

2010-06-18T14:02:00.004-05:00

A ribbon tied bouquet of fresh flowers and a white linen chaise lounge just feel summery, don't you think?!

"Lilacs on White Chaise", available now (click here)

SOLD

A Tisket, a tasket......

2010-06-10T20:13:00.007-05:00

.... a tote and a basket!
did you ever wonder what 'tisket' and 'tasket' is supposed to mean?!
anyhow...2 items tonight - a vintage flower tote and a peony basket painting!

"Blue Peony Basket"
SOLD

available now, click here!

SOLD

my favorite vegetable

2010-06-07T20:21:00.003-05:00

"Susan's Famous Carrot Cake", available now

CARROT (cake), of course!!

sunny thoughts on a rainy weekend

2010-06-05T11:18:00.004-05:00

"Choose Joy", available now

"Roses, Berries & A Bee" vintage watering can, available now

Since it's rained for days now, I suppose this dainty watering can may rest and serve to hold my paintbrushes! Rainy or sunny, there's joy in all!

catching up and falling behind!

2010-06-01T13:23:00.007-05:00

"Cracked", available now

"Lisette's Gilded Chair, available now

"The Torte at the Window", available now

"The Dandelion Bouquet", available now

Well, in between raindrops in the garden and steam-bath weather, i finally finished up a quartet of paintings that were waiting for their final touch-ups! I've fallen a bit behind in posting them to this blog, but at least i caught up with finishing them! I hope you enjoy!
blessings,
r.a.

GARDEN PARTY CUPCAKES

2010-05-27T20:20:00.002-05:00

"Garden Party Cupcakes", available now

Sweet and tasty dainties all dressed up for a Garden Party!

It's all about The Dress

2010-05-18T16:36:00.004-05:00

"THE DRESS", available on Etsy

Ah..springtime..and love is in the air. Weddings and Proms, cotillions and concerts under the stars...and finding the right dress for the occassion. It's all about the dress, afterall.

Jardin

2010-05-10T19:27:00.003-05:00

"Jardin", available tonight, on ebay

SOLD

THE GOOD DAY

2010-05-08T22:40:00.005-05:00

"The Good Day" available now, on ebay

SOLD

The rewards of spending a full day pulling weeds, spreading mulch, and pruning roses: an armful flowers to grace the room!

The Time Of Roses

2010-05-07T00:00:00.001-05:00

"The Time of Roses", available on ebay

SOLD

The gardens unveil new blooms every day - the tulips have come and gone, the spring trees have bloomed, and now it is the time of the roses.

a visual feast

2010-05-06T18:33:00.003-05:00

All my garden birds have returned now and as they feast on thistle seed and sunflower seed, millet and more, they provide me with a visual feast.
For instance, the goldfinches. I discovered something interesting about them while they visit me right outside my window. They like to feed on they tiny seed, like the thistle in the 'sock'. Sometimes that feeder is spinning with 4, 5, 6 female finches all pecking happily away together. An errant, brightly feathered male will often join the group of ladies. But if one more male tries to dine with them, the first male will chase him away clear across the fields! Isn't that funny? The ladies enjoy dinner company - the more the merrier - ... but goodness forbids that male bird should have to share!

Everything is just rosy

2010-04-30T18:30:00.003-05:00

"Just Rosy" shop window painting, available tonight, on ebay

SOLD

An afternoon spent with girlfriends, sipping tea and sharing gossip ... makes everything just rosy!

A Thing of the Past

2010-04-28T17:46:00.004-05:00

hand painted, vintage HYDRANGEA AND ROSES letter file box, available tonight, on ebay

SOLD

A long long time ago, in the days before e-mail, IM and texting, people used to write letters. Actually putting words down on paper with a pen! And they didn't use cute abbreviations like LOL or ROTFL or that kind of suff. And they would hand address envelopes and even write their own return address instead of using handy stickers. Letter writing was an art, and i fear it is becoming a lost art!
I'll admit it...i wouldn't give up email for anything...but there is something personal and nostalgic even about getting an old fashioned letter written by hand on thick, pretty paper, isn't there?
write someone a letter today. It's nice to get something in the mail besides bills and circulars!

Robin Row

2010-04-27T15:47:00.004-05:00

"Robin Row", available tonight, on ebay!

SOLD

I have been lucky enough the past few years to have a variety of birds nest on the roof of my garden pergola, which sits outside my studio doors. For a few years it was doves that made their home high in the rafters .. and for the past few years it has been a family of robins.

Mom and Dad robin completed their nest building and twig gathering a bit ago, and i see them daily dining on the fallen little crabapples from the flowering crab outside my window. Fuel, i am sure, for the coming days of parenthood!

Yesterday in the nest, we saw teeny tiny wee fuzzy heads popping up like a child's jack-in-the-box. The little ones are arriving!

birthday gifts

2010-04-23T06:02:00.005-05:00

I know that some people approach their birthdays with a bit of dread, wishing just to ignor the fact that the hand of time has ticked them another year older. It wouldn't be a bad thing to youthen, i suppose, afterall.

But for me, my birthday serves as a reminder of all the years of blessings I have had, by the Grace of God. What better birthday gift than that?! And that's a gift I get every single day of every year.

Just look at all my gifts! I got my first grandchild this year - healthy, adorable, filled with miracles. And a safe delivery for my daughter and her sweet husband. AND they actually let me babysit Leighton!

And God gave me a year filled with good health for my mom and dad! Getting those good CAT scan results of mom's was a gift i prayed for. And tho dad can be impossible at times, I've been given the gift of seeing the miracle of our humanity in a new way.

Oh, and God gave me another year to share with a sister who is my inspiration, who i (as my son-in-law, Jake, would say) I strive to be more like. Did I thank you for that, God?

And, look at this - i got special times to spend with my brother Joe and his wife! We had late night talks and cooking lessons and I finally got to see their home in Texas! Thank you for the gift of those two amazing people, God!

And all my children, too - including my children 'by marriage'! God gave me an amazing year with my children who make me laugh and cry, whose accomplishments, kindnesses and loving hearts are gifts to me that i cherish with pride.

Oh and i also got another year with a husband who has stood by me through it all. How's that for a gift?!

And i got another year of loving my little pup, of enjoying the birds, of endless skies, of springtime leaves, of autumn colors and still winter nights.

Finally, I got the gift of cherished memories and special angels. My brother John, I know, is up in heaven celebrating with me, and my auntie marion, too. Tho achingly missed, they give me gift of comfort, knowing they are with me every day.

And the most wondrous gift? The gift of God, who never fails me, who promises me a birthday like this every day of this year and for eternity. The gift of life, the gift of eternal life.

Thank you God, for all my presents - for these and so many more!!

2010-04-19T16:52:00.004-05:00

Wren And Roses, vintage file/recipe box, available tonight, on ebay

SOLD

I think the little wrens are some of the most amusing birds in the garden. They always seem so perky and even a bit comical with their tails standing tall as if in a gesture to make the little bird seem ready for any action!

The White Rabbit

2010-04-15T23:06:00.004-05:00

"THE WHITE RABBIT TEA ROOM", available now, on ebay

SOLD

Tea time with a good friend, or with Alice and the White Rabbit, is a magical way to spend an afternoon!

The Queen

2010-04-13T23:20:00.004-05:00

"Queen Bee" vintage hand painted tray, available now, on Wits End website!

Bees. Mostly they are either something to run from, screeching all the way, or they are cute little fat little bumbling little LITTLE cartoon-like creatures.
Then again, there is the Queen Bee. Decidedly neither bumbling nor frightening, but a symbol of power and strength handled with royal elegance.

Be it ever so Humble....

2010-04-11T22:14:00.005-05:00

The Little Nest", available now, on ETSY

Whether grand and palatial or a cozy little nest for two, there's no place like home. :)

SUNNY HOURS FLOWER FARM

2010-04-08T13:54:00.003-05:00

"Sunny Hours Flower Farm" sign, available now, on Etsy!

Even tho April showers leaves the day grey and rainy, a trip to the Flower Farm always brings sunshine to my gardeners' heart!

In the Good 'Ol Summertime

2010-04-07T12:27:00.004-05:00

"TO THE BEACH", available today on ebay

If Spring is here, can Summer be far behind?!

Love is in the air

2010-04-03T20:13:00.005-05:00

"The Bridal Shoes", available now, on ETSY

SOLD

Birds are making their nests, the bees are beginning to buzz, and nervous spring Brides are saying their "I DO's"!

ps - don't forget to check out my NEW WEBSITE as i continue to add exclusive pieces! thank you!

BRAND NEW WITS-END WEBSITE!!!

2010-04-01T11:44:00.009-05:00

"SEA SIDE", available now, at website store!

Well, i think i've finally figured out how to get my website up and running and so I'm beginning to 'stock' it! You'll see the link to my website at the upper right side of this page. Please do take a peek .. and bear with me! It's only in its infancy and it is quite simple yet, but i hope to develop into a place that will draw you back often! Thank you for taking a look!!!

you've got the cutest little baby face

2010-03-30T19:46:00.003-05:00

Funny Face!

Happy Baby Face! Little Leighton, 9 weeks old!

Baby fashion-plate: her pacifier matches her ensemble!

Snug as a bunny in a......?!

2010-03-18T19:06:00.003-05:00

"ASLEEP IN A FIELD FULL OF FLOWERS",available now, on ebay

SOLD

.....vintage chintz china teacup!!!!

my sister

2010-03-15T16:27:00.002-05:00

My sister wrote this poem...it is beautiful and comforting. I think you will enjoy it. Check out her blog HERE

Peace Beyond Understanding

At times I am uncertain, my future seems unclear
Sometimes I'm wrapped in worry, sometimes I'm gripped by fear
At times I'm deeply sadden and feel like I'm alone
It's then I look toward Heaven and remind myself that's home.

Sometimes the world around me is all that I can see -
Blinded by the endless tasks that lie in front of me.
But when I reach a moment that I'm sure I can't go on -
It's then I turn away and rest in the loving arms of God.

And then the world around me I no longer see.
The endless tasks, once burdens, are no concern to me.
For God somehow refreshes my soul that had grown dry -
And the answers just don't matter to the questions asking why.

Peace beyond understanding is a gift God gives to me.
He opens up my heart to truth so my eyes can clearly see.
And in the briefest moment and for all eternity
Gods breaks the chains that bind me and truly sets me free.

Peace beyond Understanding ... is a gift God gives to me.
by Mary Jones

you've come a long way, babies!

2010-03-14T11:47:00.002-05:00

to my girls...
Happy Birthday to my Rachael Beans ... our first daughter. 30 years ago tonight we were blessed to welcome you to the world. You were the tiniest thing..barely 5 pounds and perfect in every way. I couldn't be prouder of the lovely young woman you have become, and to this day i can't believe how blessed we are to call you 'daughter'.

And to our littlest family member..grandaughter leighton rebecca...happy 2 month birthday!!! how can that be?! How can you be 2?! save a bunch of baby snuggles for me, little girl..i'll be there in a couple of days to collect them!

hugs and love to my girls ..
mom/grandma!

classic black

2010-03-13T14:25:00.005-06:00

TOLEWARE CACHE POT, available now, on ebay

SOLD

I think every room needs a touch of classic black ...it adds a bit of elegance, of formality and of tradition that helps anchor a room and its decor. Even an all white room benefits from a bit of black....afterall, what is more classic than the combination of black and white?!

article, "Decorating in Black and White"

What's the Buzz?

2010-03-08T18:46:00.005-06:00

"The Honey Field", vintage tray, handpainted,available now on ebay

SOLD

Ah springime...(well..almost anyway!). The birds, the bees, the flowers! I can't wait!!

A little Sunshine and a little Rain

2010-03-03T19:47:00.005-06:00

"A MOST FEMININE EASTER BASKET", available tonight, on ebay

SOLD

"Rain, Rain, Go Away", framed painting, available tonight, on ebay!

SOLD

A rainy day for a pair of little birds, and a cheery basket to bring sunshine to your day! Afterall, springtime showers bring springtime flowers!

classic eggs

2010-03-01T20:01:00.004-06:00

"Classic Eggs", available now, on ebay

SOLD

I am always amazed at the variety, the tones, the shades the...beauty...of bird eggs.

A Rosy Nest

2010-02-26T19:02:00.003-06:00

"A Rosy Nest", available now, on ebay!

SOLD

A nest for the rose lover!

Not your usual Easter eggs

2010-02-21T19:18:00.007-06:00

"ROBINS EGGS...ALL DRESSED UP!"available now, on ebay

SOLD

now, really, who can color eggs better than mother nature herself?!

spring fever

2010-02-19T19:32:00.010-06:00

"NEST" antique pediment, available on ETSY

SOLD

"The Unexpected Visitor", available on ebay
SOLD

yep...we have spring fever!

need a spring in your step?

2010-02-18T14:42:00.004-06:00

"THEY PUT A SPRING IN HER STEP", available on ETSY

can you just not wait to put away the clunky sensible boots and break out something fun and flirty and kick up your heels?!
me too!

where were you ....

2010-02-14T19:53:00.002-06:00

....one month ago today?
BEING BORN!!!!
Happy One Month Birthday to my sweetest little Valentine, Leighton Rebecca! (who i got to babysit this weekend ALL by my grandma-self for a few hours! Boy, did i ever tell her stories about her mommy when SHE was a baby! You are in trouble now, mommy!)
love and hugs and snuggles and baby kisses -
i miss you already..
love,
your grandma!

A Happy Landing

2010-02-11T20:48:00.003-06:00

"The Little Sparrow's Happy Landing", available now, on ebay

SOLD

A cheery fair-weather vignette: a young sparrow's first flight has ended with a happy landing!

Winter Brain

2010-02-10T10:17:00.005-06:00

"Little Ones",available now, on ebay

SOLD

FLOWER BASKET vintage cupboard door painting,available now, on ebay

SOLD

Totally forgot to post these, tho they were listed yesterday. Sometimes i get a case of 'winter brain'...you know, the kind where your brain kinda hibernates when it should be working!

Hearts & Roses

2010-02-05T15:59:00.005-06:00

"Nest and Rose Wreath" antique plinth, available now, on ebay!

SOLD

I am in love with this tone of "Scandenavian Blue" ...it is a very pale tone...something of a blue-grey but not blue. I think it is fresh and clean looking, and seems so suited to roses!

how can you be 3?

2010-02-04T14:56:00.003-06:00

how can you be 3 weeks old already, little grandaughter?! 3 weeks ago today you were born and our lives have been blessed beyond our imagination.
WE LOVE YOU!
hugs and baby kisses
I miss you

Hearts & Roses

2010-02-03T14:13:00.006-06:00

"Hearts And Roses", available tonight, on ebay

SOLD

Just for the year-round romantic!

Reminders of Spring

2010-02-01T18:52:00.004-06:00

"THE MOSSY NEST", available tonight, on ebay

SOLD

We've had a few days of sunshine of late (a rarity this past month) and so i was coaxed outside to walk through the gardens (hurridly..it was cold!). I came upon an abandoned nest, a left over from last spring, that i'd forgotten about. I'd watched the nest last year...the mother nestled deep within to keep her babies protected, the adults busy as bees running hatchlings their food. It was a beautiful nest..delicately woven of fragile twigs that still sprouted tiny bright green leaf buds.
Coming across the dried nest bleached grey from the weather was a wonderful reminder of that past spring, and of the spring soon on it's way.

Baby Love

2010-01-30T00:20:00.001-06:00

grandaughter Leighton Rebecca, 9 days old

*sigh*.....i'm in love............

Life Springs Anew

2010-01-24T19:05:00.006-06:00

"Forget-Me-Not Nest", available tonight, on ebay
SOLD

Babies, little eggs, nests appearing up in the trees.....all are signs that, despite the cold and the grey and the snow, new life, like the return of Spring, perseveres.
blessings,
r.a.

WHEW I needed that!

2010-01-23T20:29:00.009-06:00

FOUR GENERATIONS!

...a fix! a grandaughter fix! gee..it had been 2 days since i'd seen her and held her and i really needed a baby grandaughter fix! Went there today and i stole a few snuggles and i feel so much better now!
Grandma loves you, baby Leighton!!!

HAPPY ONE WEEK BIRTHDAY, SWEET LEIGHTON!

2010-01-21T14:08:00.003-06:00

Birthday Kisses from your Grandma! hugs! x0x0x0x0x0x0x0x0x!

Sleeping Beauty

2010-01-20T15:56:00.005-06:00

(Leighton Rebecca, 5 days old!)

Isn't she an angel?! I think i can really get into this 'grandma-brag' thing!

WELCOME TO THE WORLD, LEIGHTON REBECCA!

2010-01-16T13:38:00.007-06:00

Newborn Leighton - 1/2 hour old!

Little Leighton - 1 hour old! Of course she had a perfect score on her Apgar because she IS perfect!

Little Leighton - 9 hours old with her favorite grandma - that would be ME!

LEIGHTON REBECCA
Born Thursday, January 14, 2010 2:28 AM via c-section
7 pounds, 19 inches

Meet our first grandchild...grandaughter Leighton Rebecca! Admit it..she's the most beautiful grandchild you've ever seen!

CHINA ROSES

2010-01-10T14:44:00.004-06:00

"China Roses", available now, on ebay

Since there is about 2 feet of snow outside and the driveway is ice, i'm guessing it's gonna be a while before we see flowers blooming. Until then, i'll take them wherever i can get them..including strewn over old china plates..

Nesting

2010-01-07T23:04:00.002-06:00

'PUSSYWILLOW NEST', available now, on ebay
SOLD

THE ROSE STUDY

2010-01-06T20:42:00.005-06:00

"THE ROSE STUDY", available now, on ebay

It's that time of year again that every gardener awaits with bated breath...the arrival of the new year flower and garden catalogs! What better way to spend a blustery day than pouring over glossy rose photos, researching possibilities, and daydreaming of the perfect garden which, surely, must be within our grasp!

h e l l o , s p r i n g !

2010-01-05T19:47:00.004-06:00

"Hello, Spring!", available on ebay

Ok, so we have another snow storm headed this way and nights have been at or below zero for the past 4 nights and so i guess i'm jumping the gun a bit by saying 'hello, spring'....but i can do whatever i want in the imaginary world of painting!

The Birds and the Bees

2010-01-04T07:42:00.006-06:00

"NEST" vintage architectural plinth, available now, on ebay
SOLD

"Queen Bee" vintage architectural plinth, available now, on ebay
SOLD

The Little Breakfast

2010-01-03T12:58:00.004-06:00

"The Little Breakfast", available now, on ebay

SOLD

I am not a morning person. Perhaps i need to be greeted by warm muffins and fresh flowers to make me one!

Thoughts of Spring

2009-12-31T14:19:00.007-06:00

"Signs of Life", available now, on ebay

SOLD

"The Lavender Nest", available tonight, on ebay

SOLD

Spring WILL return....sooner or later!

Pure Joy

2009-12-30T22:13:00.003-06:00

A Ray of Sunshine

2009-12-29T07:09:00.003-06:00

check it out: Sunrise/Sunset Calendar
Yes...it's that time of year when I become obsessed with gaining even a smidge more daylight with each passing day. Come January, by the end of the month our Illinois sun will rise 14 minutes earlier than it did at the beginning of the month, and it will set 34 minutes later! Whoopeee!
Check out the calendar for your own little part of the world!

Blessed. Blessed, blessed, blessed, blessed, blessed

2009-12-25T23:25:00.004-06:00

Merry Christmas, dear readers!
I had planned on posting a wonderful and warm holiday family photo for you here, after our big annual Christmas Eve family gathering. I fired up the computer for the first time in a couple of days - such a rarity for me - and realized i had totally forgotten to take a photo in the chaos of our gathering.
boy was i mad at myself. I had wanted a family photo ..one last one while daughter 1 was pregnant, while youngest son is still in highschool, etc etc. Darn it all.
But then, it occured to me...how very blessed i am that we were so busy talking together, so busy laughing together, so busy hugging each other, so busy helping each other and delighting each other with carefully chosen gifts, that there simply wasn't time to take a photo of it all.
Blessed. Some people have no home to make festive and warm and cozy. We have comfy sofas and a warm fire and rooms filled with family.
Blessed. Some people have no one to talk to. We had the young and the old, even the not-born-yet, and all ages and generations under our roof to talk to.
Blessed. Some people are darkly sad not only at the holidays but all the time. We share funny memories of childhoods shared and find so many joys in anticpating our futures as a family.
Blessed. Some people are all alone and have no one to hug and no one to hug them back. We get big crushing bear hugs from our teenage son and miraculous baby kicks from our grandchild still carried in her mommy. I still get little girl hugs from my 26 year old daughter and comforting hugs from our oldest son. And we have a daughter-in-law who hugs us with genuine love, and two amazing son-in-laws who hug us every time we see them.
Blessed. Some people feel they have no one to turn to for help. We are blessed with the peace of knowing that should any of us at any time need any help, every single one of us in this family would help without being asked.
Blessed. Warm slippers given to me since my sister knows i work over a cold tile floor all winter and my feet get cold and she won't have that. A book made of sonogram photos of our grandaughter because our daughter knows this baby already brings me unmeasurable joy. A feathered crow because our daughter knows that birds always make me smile, even on snowy and blowy days. A favored scent because our son's girlfriend knows it is a little luxury i would never buy myself and how i do adore it. A huge pile of firewood because my son and his wife know how much i look forward to spending the 2 days after Christmas laying on the couch, in front of a toasty fire, dreaming happy dreams of the holidays with family.
Some people have not known the joy of recieving the gift of a macaroni covered school child's ornament, nor have they known the joy of giving.
And so, while i may not have a photograph to show how blessed i am, i have something even better. I have the real thing. I have the memories. I have my family.
I am blessed.
Merry Christmas to you and to yours
blessings,
r.a.

countdown to grandma-hood!

2009-12-22T14:47:00.004-06:00

I can hardly stand the wait (right along with the rest of the family, not to mention daughter and son-in-law)!!! Our first grandchild, a little girl, is due in THREE short weeks!!
I think she needs more shoes!

For my kids......come and get your Christmas hints!!!

2009-12-21T15:10:00.003-06:00

DJ: one of yours, as i said, is ecologically correct.
Rach: one of yours is something a dental hygenist would love to get her hands on
Bex: Tho one of yours belongs in the kitchen, i wouldn't cook with it.
Bubs: one of yours is really meant for little people.

ha! I love to drive my kids crazy with my obscure hints..and, yes, every year they complain about them!
any guesses, huh huh huh?????
love
mom

Graceful things

2009-12-20T13:55:00.004-06:00

""The Nursery", available now, on ebay

SOLD

""There was a time when a Lady knew how to faint with style", available now, on ebay

Cheery things

2009-12-16T21:39:00.005-06:00

"It was the perfect serving piece for her famous birds nest cupcakes" available on ebay
SOLD

"Stripes," she thought, "like flowers, were such cheery things" available on ebay
SOLD

Roses In December

2009-12-12T02:32:00.005-06:00

"Roses in December" available now, on ebay
SOLD

The Inner Princess

2009-12-12T02:30:00.006-06:00

"Secretly, she thought of it as her Princess Chair", available now, on ebay
SOLD

Peaceful Places

2009-12-10T15:22:00.005-06:00

"No matter the season, she surrounded herself with roses", available now, on ebay
SOLD

"To The Pasture", available now, on ebay

In the Meadow We Will Build a Snowman..

2009-12-07T22:13:00.004-06:00

"Where did he go?", available now, on ebay

Everyone loves a snowman ..even the birds!

a few favorite things

2009-12-05T19:54:00.005-06:00

"THEY WERE A FEW OF HER FAVORITE THINGS" available on ebay

Softly worn, old china, a graceful chair, fresh flowers and a good book...a few favorite things
SOLD

Traditions

2009-12-04T00:01:00.004-06:00

"Auntie's Aprons", available now, on ebay
SOLD

think spring?

2009-12-03T20:43:00.004-06:00

"Cottage Roses" - available tonight, on ebay

Yes..i'm looking forward to the holiday catalogs being replaced by nursery catalogs, aren't you?!
SOLD

Stretching one's wings

2009-11-29T23:29:00.003-06:00

"California Quail", Custom Order, NSF

While painting birds is not new to me, painting the California Quail was! I love trying new painting subjects - it gives me the chance to learn about them (for instance, did you know that the California Quail has been clocked flying at 58mph?!), and stretch my own artistic wings!

Sweet Songs

2009-11-29T12:15:00.004-06:00

"He Sang Her Sweet Songs Each Morning", available now, on ebay
SOLD

What could be sweeter than being greeted by the songs of birds in the morning? well..maybe a kiss and a bird song?

vignettes

2009-11-26T23:18:00.006-06:00

"Her Comfort Zone", available now, on ebay
SOLD

>"She Rarely Met a Bag She Didn't Like", available now, on ebay
SOLD

just a few sweet slices of life (so less fattening than all that pumpkin pie!)

A Cup Of Cheer

2009-11-23T13:26:00.003-06:00

"A Cup Of Cheer", available tonight, on ebay
SOLD

Serenity

2009-11-23T00:01:00.001-06:00

'PAPER WHITES', available now, on ebay
SOLD

Confetti Heels

2009-11-22T12:08:00.006-06:00

"Confetti Heels", available tonight, on ebay
SOLD

New Years Eve, Auld Lang Syne....the perfect excuse to kick off one's heels and dance the New Year in!

Winter Whimsy

2009-11-20T00:01:00.004-06:00

"A Toasty Perch" available now, on ebay
SOLD

"All That Glitters" available now, on ebay
SOLD

"All Wrapped Up" available now, on ebay

SOLD

Comfort food

2009-11-19T22:35:00.003-06:00

"Chocolates in Pink", available now, on ebay
SOLD

Freezing temperatures, holiday gatherings, a warm toasty fire...all conspire to cause the craving for comfort food. And what could be more comforting than a box full of chocolates?! well..maybe a box full of chocolates all to ones-self and no one watching you eat them!

Peace

2009-11-16T17:44:00.003-06:00

PEACE ANGEL, available tonight, on ebay
SOLD

A timeless thought, a victorian child-angel, a dainty bird and soft colors - all reflect the blessing of a Peaceful holiday season.

Believe

2009-11-15T18:55:00.002-06:00

"Believe", hand painted vintage sign available on ebay
SOLD

For the young at heart, for the believers among us

Cozy memories

2009-11-15T11:31:00.004-06:00

"Greetings of the Season" available on ebay
SOLD

Wintertime seems to not only want us to cozy up indoors, but also turns our thought inwards as well. With the holidays and celebrations upon us, we remember those of our childhoods, the days of snowball fights and cookie baking and family traditions and all that warms our hearts.

A FINE, FEATHERED CHRISTMAS

2009-11-11T14:23:00.003-06:00

"Snow Joy" available on ebay

Set of 2 handpainted enamelware cups + Ornament (not shown) available on ebay

Weather Forecast For Sat. Nov 7: a shower

2009-11-05T22:23:00.002-06:00

A Baby Shower, that is!
I'm taking a few days off to enjoy our oldest daughter's baby shower! Well, not really 'off' - i'll be wrapping and running last minute errands for the shower and looking for where the heck i put her cards! And cleaning house as my sister-in-law from texas is coming up for the shower and will stay a few days!
A most exciting time..i hope i'll have a few photos to share when i return!
blessings,
r.a.

Sweet Dreams

2009-11-04T15:52:00.006-06:00

"They Dreamed of a Peppermint Forest", available tonight, on ebay

not everyone has visions of sugarplums at Christmastime...some dream of candycane perches!

Over the River and through the woods...

2009-11-02T23:19:00.002-06:00

"Christmas Hearts", available now on ebay
SOLD

near and far or just close in thoughts, all hearts come home for Christmas.

BATHING BEAUTIES

2009-10-29T14:31:00.003-05:00

'BATHING BEAUTIES' available tonight, on ebay

SOLD

Another thing i love about autumn: a nice, long, steamy soak in a hot tub! Let's face it, when it's summer and 100 degrees outside, hot baths just aren't all that appealing.
But, oh, in the autumn, it warms you head to soul!

Tea Time

2009-10-26T20:26:00.003-05:00

Handpainted vintage bed/lap Tea Tray, available now, on ebay

I always imagine having breakfast in bed. I'd langor and browse a magazine, and my coffee or tea and maybe even scrambled eggs would be brought up to me on a pretty tray. I'd probably be wearing one of those foofy pink chiffon bed-jackets and there would be loads of plump pillows for me to lounge upon.
I watch too many old Bette Davis movies, i think!

All you need is love

2009-10-24T12:13:00.002-05:00

("Love Warms Every Nest", available now, on ebay)

SOLD

All creatures great and small, feathered and furred, four footed and two, all we need is love.

Tempting Treats

2009-10-22T20:21:00.004-05:00

("Sweet Cakes" available now, on ebay)
SOLD

One of the best things about autumn is that it is finally cool enough to warrant firing up the oven. While i am not fond of cooking, i do love to bake. I think it's in the genes...one of my fondest memories of my grandmother is going to visit her on sundays where she would always be found in the kitchen at the back of her house. And every Sunday we would be greeted at the door with the tempting scents of fresh baking: jelly filled bismarks, elephant ears, long-johns, cinnamon rolls and so much more. All made from scratch! no boxed mixes! REAL yeast, for goodness sakes!!!
And so, to this day, baking not only warms up my kitchen, but also always warms my heart with fond childhood memories.

Baby Love

2009-10-21T18:40:00.005-05:00

Meet our grandaughter! She is 27 weeks and 4 days old (or would it be - 27/4?!) ..only 12 more weeks to go till we hold her in our arms. We fell in love with her when she was a few mere cells full of promise, and look at her now!

Art for the Romantic Heart by Wits End

Tricks & Treats and MIA

busy as a bee

signs of fall

behinder and behinder and a little catch-up again!

The Classics

bbrrrrr shiver shiver

Help yourself to a cup of hedgehog?

Feathered Friends, Furry Friends, and a cup of tea

Simplicity

Interiors

The Blues

A WHITE CHAISE AND LILACS

A Tisket, a tasket......

my favorite vegetable

sunny thoughts on a rainy weekend

catching up and falling behind!

GARDEN PARTY CUPCAKES

It's all about The Dress

Jardin

THE GOOD DAY

The Time Of Roses

a visual feast

Everything is just rosy

A Thing of the Past

Robin Row

birthday gifts

The White Rabbit

The Queen

Be it ever so Humble....

SUNNY HOURS FLOWER FARM

In the Good 'Ol Summertime

Love is in the air

BRAND NEW WITS-END WEBSITE!!!

you've got the cutest little baby face

Snug as a bunny in a......?!

my sister

you've come a long way, babies!

classic black

What's the Buzz?

A little Sunshine and a little Rain

classic eggs

A Rosy Nest

Not your usual Easter eggs

spring fever

need a spring in your step?

where were you ....

A Happy Landing

Winter Brain

Hearts & Roses

how can you be 3?

Hearts & Roses

Reminders of Spring

Baby Love

Life Springs Anew

*WHEW* I needed that!

HAPPY ONE WEEK BIRTHDAY, SWEET LEIGHTON!

Sleeping Beauty

WELCOME TO THE WORLD, LEIGHTON REBECCA!

CHINA ROSES

Nesting

THE ROSE STUDY

h e l l o , s p r i n g !

The Birds and the Bees

The Little Breakfast

Thoughts of Spring

Pure Joy

A Ray of Sunshine

Blessed. Blessed, blessed, blessed, blessed, blessed

countdown to grandma-hood!

For my kids......come and get your Christmas hints!!!

Graceful things

Cheery things

Roses In December

The Inner Princess

Peaceful Places

In the Meadow We Will Build a Snowman..

a few favorite things

Traditions

think spring?

WHEW I needed that!