di's dbhoyleart

2011-09-12T14:54:00.000-07:00

giraffe

2011-06-10T07:24:00.001-07:00

barn owl in flight

2011-06-10T07:11:00.000-07:00

2009-09-22T08:23:00.000-07:00

colored pencil on bristol

I'm writting for huliq.com!

2009-09-21T15:48:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago Huliq News happened upon my blog and approached me about writting some articles for there on line news service! I was thrilled and immediately set out to write what I am passionate about...my newly adopted homeland Puerto Vallarta Mexico!
If you missed the article here it is:

Puerto Vallarta is alive and well in spite of the “heat” in Mexico!

The U.S. economic crisis has negatively impacted Mexico’s exports. 80 % of their export trade is with the United States, including their #1 export, oil, which is down 35 %. Drug trafficking has been on the rise since the 1980’s, when U.S. drug enforcement efforts closed primary trafficking routes from South America through the Caribbean and into the US and Canada. Thus forcing the cartels to forge new routes from Central America, through Mexico and up in to the U.S. and Canadian markets. Mexican President, Felipe Calderón’s commitment to fighting the drug trade, since coming into power in 2006, has seen escalating retaliation. The H1N1 flu scare that hit Mexico City virtually ground the country to a stand still this past spring.

All of this has created a global perception that “Mexico” is unsafe and unstable.

How that has affected the beautiful & tranquil tourist destination of Puerto Vallarta, is apparent in the dramatic decrease in tourism. Already reeling from a particularly slow 2008/09 high season, the spring H1N1 flu pandemic saw tourism drop a reported 50-70% over previous years.
The impact on Puerto Vallarta and other Mexican tourist destinations has been further compounded by a frenzy of knee jerk media coverage, and a World Health Organization who were reluctant to pinpoint where in Mexico H1N1 virus cases were being reported so as not to give the impression that some areas of Mexico were virus free and therefore safe. Subsequently painting all of Mexico as a potential health risk! Further resulting in travel advisories, cancelled flights and rerouted cruise ships.

In fact only 2 cases of the H1N1 virus were ever confirmed in Puerto Vallarta. With the majority of Mexico’s cases being in Mexico City, 550 miles away.
Cartel drug violence has generally occurred in only 5 of Mexico’s 32 states, including the state of Chihuahua where the border town, Ciudad Juarez, has seen the most violence. Violent/drug related crime occurring in Puerto Vallarta’s state of Jalisco is very rare. Only 2.1 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, compared to the state of Chihuahua at 50.9 deaths per 100,000.

With the tourism industry in Puerto Vallarta down substantially, local family run businesses are closing their doors, housing sales have fallen off, hotel occupancy rates are down and employees in all sectors are being laid off in droves.

Puerto Vallarta fights back! Introducing the lowest airfares and holiday packages in years, substantially reducing hotel room rates, 2 for 1 recreation & adventure tours and promotional specials on restaurant meals & entertainment.

From a national perspective the Mexican government has replaced customs agents with 700 more highly trained personnel, accepted a half a million dollar drug enforcement training program from Canada’s RCMP and a 1.4 billion dollar counter narcotic package from US congress. The Mexican Health Authority’s response to the flu pandemic is by and large considered exemplary. Development of the Ku-Maloob-Zaap oil fields, the Chicontepec offshore oil project and construction of a new refinery in 2010 will increase oil production and boost trade. Plus, a national media campaign to put Mexico back in the minds of tourists as a favored and safe travel destination.

With this year’s high season looming, Vallartans are holding their breath to see if their combined efforts will pay off!

Diane Briggs-Hoyle
dbhoyle@gmail.com
www.dbhoyleart.blogspot.com

some digital art

2009-04-25T11:14:00.000-07:00

The family home on Lake Okanagan

2008-11-10T11:13:00.000-08:00

The Hoyle Home on Lake Okanagan, Lake Country, British Columbia

7 acres of lush gardens, sparkling ponds and waterfalls & expansive lawns on the lake! Yes, it is paradise and we've had a wonderful time staying here with our Mom!

Walking up to the orchard with my grandson, Ezra

My daughter Brenna & Ezra in the Peach Orchard

He's spotted a good one!

On "Creative Sabbatical" in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico!

2008-11-10T10:10:00.000-08:00

In 4 days my husband and I are leaving for our first "big adventure" (not that raising 4 kids in our blended family wasn't abit of an adventure at times too!)

26 months ago when we returned home from a 2 week vacation in Puerto Vallarta my husband announced that we were moving to P.V.! After my initial shock wore off and we decided that we could make it work financially and continue to earn a living down there, I was all over the idea too! We planned to move down that following February, 2007 after we sold our house. With in 2 weeks of our decision my father passed away with lung cancer. Moving in February was just too soon for us, we needed to be with my Mom and our family! The move was rescheduled for July 2007 and as good plans often do, that didn't quite work out! We accepted a great offer on our house in February but on the 11th hour the sale fell through! The universe has a way of making things happen exactly as they should. At the same time the house deal collapsed my father-in-law took ill. We spent the next 6 months commuting to and from their hometown and flying Bill to and from a hopsital in Seattle for treatment. Although this was a difficult time it was an important time for us, again, to be with our family! and for this we were very thankful! On November 25th, 2007 Bill lost his fight!

We realized that we were exactly where we were supposed to be at this time. Again the house went up for sale but this time we were moving to Kelowna to stay with Gord's Mom and help her run the house and property. We sold our house to a wonderful couple, Veronica and Leif, (who have become dear friends) and moved up to the Okanagan in April 2008. It has been a wonderful, fun, interesting, and sometimes challenging experience living in my mother-in-law's home. And I'm very grateful that we have had the opportunity to do it!

This Friday, November 14th, we start leg 1 of our journey with our cat and dog in tow!

up & coming artist!

2008-11-04T17:23:00.000-08:00

Our grandson, Skylar (age 7), is an aspiring artist!

"Turtle" is one of many works of art he has created.

Sky shows the ability to capture the personality of this delightful and amusing creature!

Great work Sky!

...there's more to come from this gifted and entertaining artist!!

30/30 Challenge Update

2008-10-22T10:28:00.000-07:00

I have recently received updates from 6 of our "30/30 Challengers":

Pat has been keeping very busy! In addition to her two etsy stores, http://preciousmoments.etsy.com/ & http://onawhimsey.etsy.com/ , she has started a new blog; http:// apreciousmemory.blogspot.com. Her challenge has been going well and at times she has found the need to improvise by substituting her "Wii time" with long walks with her husband. Sounds like Pat is making great use of her time!
Theresa has been busy recording her progress on her own blog http://tiltcreations.blogspot.com/. She's found that although this challenge has afforded her more "me time" the "me time" isn't always what she had envisioned! She is most grateful though that this has been an opportunity for her to pickup her paintbrushes again and proud of her work! Theresa recognizes that in future she would make her challenge or goal more specific but is pleased with what she has done!
Teri has allowed herself to slow down and let go! She is living in the moment and enjoying the process of her work!
Kristin Ann is working on her challenge, studying new techniques and pushing herself to step out of her comfort zone and put her newly learned skills into practise!
Michelle is doing well! She's been really committed to putting in the time and on the days when she hasn't been able to spend her 30 minutes she's made up for it the next day! Michelle is really pleased that she has acted on a couple of opportunities that she had previously procrastinated on. She sees her persistence as a great asset!
Ali is still at it and feeling her success in "loose" fitting jeans!
I am plugging away at my sketching and am seeing how committing a small amount of time, regularly, can have a big impact!

I hope everyone will visit these "challenging" women at their stores, blogs and/or web sites and let them know they are an inspiration!

Ali http://alibalijewellery.blogspot.com/
Pat http://apreciousmemory.blogspot.com/
Theresa http://tiltcreations.blogspot.com/
Teri http://terireeswang.etsy.com/
Kristin Ann http://blueflamedesigns.etsy.com/
Michelle http://eviestoolemporium.etsy.com/

di's 30 minute sketch

2008-10-18T08:58:00.000-07:00

This is a rough pencil sketch drawn during one of my 30 minute sketching sessions.

Later I took my soft pastel sticks and pastel pencils and rendered a finished piece.

From there I scanned the finished art and printed it on a high gloss card stock which I then mounted to a heavy weight Linen stock to create notecards

A very special day, October 11, 1983

2008-10-11T12:02:00.000-07:00

To my dear daughter, Brenna

Wishing you a very happy birthday and a year full of joy, peace and laughter!

I am in awe of the woman and the mother you have grown to be!

love always and forever, mom xoxo

The "30/30 Challenge" update

2008-10-10T09:13:00.000-07:00

"It must be borne in mind that the tragedy of life doesn't lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach"!
- Dr. Benjamin Mays

Good morning! Day 10 of the "30/30 challenge" and I've had some "bumps in the road" (very small pun relating to my atttempts to sketch in a moving vehicle!!) lol...but all in all I feel really great having a regular sketching time, it serves as "alone" time, which I appreciate and it is meditative & therefore has a theraputic benefit. I'm seeing small improvements in my abilities, and most importantly I'm recognizing where my challenges lie and what skills I need to focus on.
Zuda of www.ZudaGay.etsy.com expressed that she didn't get as much done last weekend as she had hoped but accepted that was just how it worked out and allowed herself to enjoy her weekend anyways!
Ali of www.alibalijewellery.etsy.com is full steam ahead! She's been cycling & swimming daily!
Pat www.preciousquilts.etsy.com & www.onawhimsey.etsy.com was really pleased to have created a new painting and felt she was on track with her goals!
Michelle www.eviestoolemporium.etsy.com sees this challenge as being really good for her! She has accomplished even more than she had planned!
Kristin Ann www.BlueFlameDesigns.etsy.com & www.jkjewelry.etsy.com has finished reading one of her new resource books on lampwork and tried out some new techniques which she has found very exciting!

shipping internationally

2008-10-09T14:17:00.000-07:00

My friend at http://fabricsnquilts.blogspot.com/ posted an etsy forum thread with regard to shipping internationally.
It got me thinking about why international shipping is so important....
yes, we like to make sales.....
yes, we like to think our work is appreciated by other cultures in far away places.....
but what really impresses upon me is art's ability to transcend all barriers!
Language, cultural, political, religious......
It draws all people, of all walks of life, together, as one people!
I'm very proud to be apart of that!!

i am grateful for.....

2008-10-09T08:20:00.000-07:00

3 things i am grateful for...

1) a strong capable body

2) moments of dogged determination

3) freedom

"30/30 Challenge" update

2008-10-06T07:56:00.000-07:00

Well we're coming up on our first week of our 30/30 challenge!
As many well intended plans do, mine went a little awry! On Thursday, day 2, we found it necessary to go on a road trip to Vancouver Island. Sketching in a moving vehicle doesn't make for great art (or even not so great art!!) Those first two days on the road amounted to no sketching!! So on Saturday when we arrived at our destination I revised my schedule and completed two 30 minutes sessions. On Sunday, I was able to complete 1 x 30 minute sketching session and the second was in 2 x 15 minute sessions. I'm back on track!

Lesson learned: accept that sometimes life gets in the way of our plans, stay flexible, revise, and carry on!

We're still away but at least staying put for the next two days so I won't have any difficulty getting my sketching time in. On Wednesday we're back on the road and heading home, I won't freak if I'm not able to draw as planned, but instead I will stay open, finding an alternative means of completing my goal.

I will update you on my fellow "Challengers" progress on Thursday, but from what I've heard it sounds like they are doing well and excited about what they have already accomplished!

Friday's Foodie - a weekly recipe for the finicky!

2008-10-04T09:16:00.000-07:00

Yorkshire Pudding - a Canadian version of this British tradition!

after years of serving "hockey pucks" my mother says these are never fail, light and fluffy!

1 1/4 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt
4 eggs
1/4 cup milk (not skim)
pepper to taste

Mix flour and salt. Add eggs, milk and pepper. Let stand at room temperature for at least an hour. Heat a 12 cup muffin tin in a 375 degrees F oven. Remove, lightly grease and pour prepared batter into each mold. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until puffed and brown. Serve with your family's favorite Roast of Beef and gravy!

The "30/30 Day Challenge" Day 2 !

2008-10-02T07:21:00.001-07:00

We have one day under our belt and ready to take on the next!

Let me introduce you to our 7 remaining "challenging" women (yes, 7, we grew over night!!)

Pat is the very creative and productive owner of two shops http://www.preciousquilts.etsy.com/ where she handcrafts shabby chic patchwork baby quilts and lovely crocheted baby blankets and http://www.onawhimsey.etsy.com/ for orignal encaustic art. She has only just recently stepped down as the long time administrator of a very large and active etsy team "Boomers & Beyond" or BBEST
(visit their blog at http://boomersandbeyond.blogspot.com/)
Pat's goals: Exercise on her new Wii, create & list a new item every week, & (yes there's more!)
enter a new piece of encaustic art for a local competition "Artscuttle". You go girl!

Theresa is the talent behind http://www.tiltcreations.etsy.com/. Here she designs & constructs beautiful one of a kind handbags & accessories. The workmanship and design detail are exceptional!
Theresa's goal: "Me Time"! As a very busy wife & mom of two boys Theresa is committed to creating some time for herself, she knows this will keep her "sane & healthy" but also recognizes that it benefits her guys aswell!

Tia is passionate about her shop http://www.ravenwolfart.etsy.com/. She is very accomplished in the art of "pyrography", burning a design or image into wood & leather. Tia has created some very unique items...it is well worth a tour of her shop!
Tia's goal : Completion! She will create a woodburned picture, make a rune set, wand or aceo and FINISH it. In addition she will take her photos and list the item in her shop the same week.

Teri's art is her "voice" and her shop http://www.terireeswang.etsy.com/ is the vehicle for which she may share that expression through her collage, watercolor and poetry. Teri's work is both thought provoking and inspiring!
Teri's goal: To write and to color, to organize her thoughts into simple structure, and share.

Kristin of http://www.jkjewelry.etsy.com/ and her new store http://www.blueflamedesings.etsy.com/ handcrafts beautiful lampwork beads which she then creates into gorgeous jewelry pieces. Kristin's work is featured in "Studio 213" in Appleton, Wi.
Kristin's goal: to further her technical skills by studying and experimenting with new techniques 30 minutes every day. She is really excited to see us all grow and learn from our challenges!

Michelle is a very integral part of the arts & crafts industry, she supplies us with our tools! Her shop http://www.eviestoolemporium.etsy.com/ was born out of her desire to satisfy their "homeowner to mechanic tool shop" customers who were anxious to find unique items to create their art projects. Michelle's savy business sense convinced her husband to offer these new products to the etsy crafters!
Michells's goal: to spend 3o minutes a day focusing on the development of her internet business through advertising/marketing and researching opportunities available.

and me, Di of http://www.dbhoyleart.etsy.com/ where I create prints and notecards of my original colored pencil art. My background in animation & illustration has inspired a very expressive and character driven quality to my art. It's all about encouraging smiles & fun and the positive side of life !
Di's goal: building on the basics! I will sketch 30 minutes everyday...still lifes, character developement, my big toe! Actually my focus will be on life drawing (the most challenging) but I'll be open to what ever catches my eye and keeps it fun!

So that is our group of fearless women! I wish us all success, growth, enlightenment, balance and lots of fun!

Check in regularly for updates on our progress with the "30/30 challenge" !

The "30/30 Challenge" !

2008-10-01T13:57:00.000-07:00

Day 1

di's "30/30 Challenge" - 30 minute sketch daily for 30 days!

I think this is going to be lots of fun and a great skill building tool as well!

inspirational quote for our 30/30 challengers!

2008-10-01T11:15:00.000-07:00

Goals:
there's no telling what you can do when you get inspired by them!
there's no telling what you can do when you believe in them!,
and there's no telling what will happen when you act on them!

-Jim Rohn american entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker

The "30/30 Day Challenge" Day 1 !

2008-10-01T07:50:00.000-07:00

ready... set...and we're off.........!

It is my distinct pleasure to introduce to you the first 5 of the 10 very talented, vibrant and brave women who are apart of the "30/30 Challenge!

They have committed to making a real positive change in their lives, to step out of their comfort zones and hold themselves accountable for all to witness!

Congratulations to each of you as you already have achieved success with this first step!

Shera is the talented seamstress behind http://www.bubalub.etsy.com/. She creates beautiful patchwork baby quilts in her "spare" time (she currently works & studies full time and manges her craft businesses in the evenings! Shera also has http://www.sheratzapan.etsy.com/ where she creates exciting and very unique resin jewellery.

Shera's goal: "to break off the shackles of winter (she's in the southern hemisphere!) and unleash a new healthier me on the world". She was in great condition prior and is determined to get back there!

Zuda is an accomplished polymer clay artist and has had her work featured in "1000 Jewelry Details" - Simply Beads Magazine - August 2008. Zuda's shop, http://www.zudagay.etsy.com/ is filled with wonderful floral creations! Take a close look at Zuda's banner!!..it is an awesome example of the fine detail in her work!

Zuda's goal: to get back to playing with her clay! Zuda takes the responsibilities of her business seriously but recognizes the value in setting time aside for experimenting through play "it is hard to stay fresh without play" ! Have fun, Zuda!

Ali sells her contemporary handcrafted jewellery at her shop http://www.alibalijewellery.etsy.com/. She is the designer and creator of these fine & colorful pieces! Ali is also a very active artisan on the craft fairs circut in the Edinburgh area!

Ali's goal: thirty minutes of exercise everyday! Ali finds her passion for creating jewellery has one downside "jeens that are a teeny weeny bit tight" so she's committed to getting out of her seat and moving! I had a message from Ali this morning ...she was up early this morning & biked 35 minutes to work and is looking forward to the return trip too! Great start Ali!

Lynn is an award winning Georgia folkartist who sells her funky primitive artwork from http://www.lawsonfolkart.etsy.com/. Her art has been featured at Harris Art Council, Calhoun, GA; Cuz I Gotta Have It, Pawleys Island, SC; Blue Ridge Arts Association, Blue Ridge, GA; Pickled Parrot, Murphy, NC.

Lynn's goal: eat better! Lynn will avoid eating refined sugars and get her cholesterol back in line. Lynn's goal is of particular importance to her as her doctor has expressed great concern with regard to her heart health. You have all our support Lynn!

Melissa has http://www.whimsypics.etsy.com/ where she creates gorgeous one of a kind scrapbook albums, paper crafts and altered art pieces. Her work is extremely imaginative, colorful and lots of fun!

Melissa's goal: 30 minutes a day of "JUST ME" time. Melissa has a wonderfully suportive husband but with a young family often has difficulty finding time just for herself. She appreciates the importance of this and is committed (with timer in hand!) to get her 30 minutes in! Great goal Melissa, your kids and hubby will also reap the benefits of a wife & mom who enjoys balance in her life!

The "30/30 Challenge" update

2008-09-30T18:28:00.000-07:00

and # 11
welcome Kristin of http://www.jkjewelery.etsy.com/ and her new shop http://www.blueflamedesigns.etsy.com

The "30/30 Challenge" count down!

2008-09-30T07:47:00.000-07:00

1 more day.......i am SUCCESSFUL!

The "30/30 Challenge" !

2008-09-29T13:38:00.000-07:00

here's number 10!!

Teri of www.TERIREESWANG.etsy.com

thinking about art

2008-09-28T19:53:00.000-07:00

"Artists paint virtual doorways. Viewers stand in front and choose whether to enter the visual narrative."

- Ken Campbell, Canadian fine art painter & children's book illustrator

The "30/30 Challenge" count down!

2008-09-28T19:51:00.000-07:00

2 days........i am pumped!

The "30/30 Challenge" count down!

2008-09-28T10:26:00.000-07:00

3 more days........i am committed!

new product lines...in the works!

2008-09-27T10:27:00.000-07:00

"dbhoylewearableart" & "dbhoyleartkidz"

"dbhoyleart" inspired clothing and infant & up kidswear

The "30/30 Challenge" update

2008-09-27T09:22:00.000-07:00

Two more "challengers" have tossed their hat in the ring!

Theresa of http://www.tiltcreations.etsy.com/ and
Tia of http://www.RavenWolfArt.etsy.com

We are 9 strong!

The "30/30 Challenge" count down!

2008-09-27T09:19:00.000-07:00

4 days........i am ready!

The "30/30 Challenge" !

2008-09-26T13:23:00.000-07:00

This is inspiring!!

As of today there are 7 women committed to making a postive change in their lives!

Shera of http://www.bubalub.etsy.com/ & http://www.sheratzapan.etsy.com/

Zuda of http://www.zudagay.etsy.com/

Ali of http://www.alibalijewellery.etsy.com/

Lynn of http://www.lawsonsfolkart.etsy.com/

Melissa of http://www.whimsypics.etsy.com/

Pat of http://www.preciousquilts.etsy.com/ & http://www.onawhimsey.etsy.com/

& me, Di of http://www.dbhoyleart.etsy.com/

There's room for more! You can do this and we'd love to have you join us!

Di & the "30/30 Challengers"

The "30/30 Challenge" count down!

2008-09-26T13:06:00.000-07:00

5 days........I am willing!

Friday's Foodie - a weekly recipe for the finicky!

2008-09-26T10:44:00.000-07:00

We live on 6 acres of peach orchard so this recipe (which actually calls for mangoes not peaches) is well tested!! Great with pork and chicken dishes!

Peach Chutney

3 lbs green peaches peeled, halfed & pitted

3 tbsp. salt

7 c water

2 c sugar

2 c apple cider vinegar

3 tbsp fresh ginger root, peeled & finely chopped

6 cloves garlic, crushed

2 tsps hot chili powder or (1tsp hot chilipowder & 1 tsp cayenne)

1-2 inch piece cinnamon stick

1-2 oz raisins

4 oz dried dates chopped

Cut the peaches into small pieces & place in a mixing bowl, sprinkle the salt over the top and pour in the water. Cover and set aside for 24 hours.

Drain the peaches and set aside.

Place the sugar and vinegar in a pot and bring to a boil until sugar is dissolved. Add the remaining ingredients and bring the mixture back to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat and simmer the chutney, stirring frequently until thick, discard cinnamon stick. Bottle in hot, sterile jars and seal immediately. Makes 6 cups.

The "30/30 Challenge" count down!

2008-09-25T09:42:00.000-07:00

6 days...........I am capable!

i am grateful for.....

2008-09-25T01:24:00.000-07:00

three things i am grateful for.....

1) my supportive family & friends

2) the courage to set and achieve goals

3) the creative spirit within

The "30/30 Challenge" !

2008-09-24T16:15:00.000-07:00

The count down to the "30/30 Challenge"!

7 days....and counting!!

The "30/30 Challenge" !

2008-09-24T11:45:00.000-07:00

You guys are awesome!!!

The response to the "30/30 Challenge" has been tremendous!
I'm so impressed and inspired by your enthusiasm to make a positive change in your life!
We can't help but to succeed!

For all those committed to establishing a new, positive habit in your life please email me @ dbhoyle@gmail.com please include:
Your name:
Your shop url:
What you create & sell in your shop:
What your goal is? and why it is important to you to achieve this goal?

I will need your information no later than Monday, September 29th, as I would like to post this on Tuesday, September 30th. We will officially start our "30/30 Challenge" on Wednesday October 1st.

The "30/30 Challenge" !

2008-09-23T12:18:00.000-07:00

Coming soon! The 30/30 Challenge!

I am challenging myself to turn a positive action in to a life long habit...starting with baby steps!
My challenge is to sketch 30 minutes a day for 30 days! It is a small attainable goal that is important to me and may be the catalyst for setting bigger goals in my life!
I would like to invite all my etsy friends and my new handmadefuzion friends to find a goal of their own and join me in turning it into a habit. It may be a fitness goal or diet plan, increasing your productivity, staying in touch with friends, or saying something positive and uplifting to yourself everyday! Whatever your goal is, joining the "30/30 Challenge" for support and encouragement, may just be what it takes to make it apart of your reality! Email, convo, or leave a comment here and let me know you would like to participate and how to contact you. I will post each of your names with your esty/handmadefuzion shop url, and a brief description of what you create and what your 30 day goal is. An update of our progress will be posted weekly and will include some encouraging and inspiring quotes.
I would like to start the challenge on October 1! So start getting your brain around what it is you want in your life!

thinking about art

2008-09-22T08:04:00.000-07:00

" Good Art is not what it looks like, but what it does to us"

- Roy Adzak, 1927-1987 sculptor, photographer, painter

Friday's Foodie - a weekly recipe for the finicky!

2008-09-18T14:10:00.001-07:00

Easy Artichoke Oven Omelet

3/4 cup salsa
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped artichoke hearts
2 green onions, finely chopped
6 large eggs
1 cup sour cream

Preheat oven to 400 F Grease 9 inch deep dish pie plate

Spread salsa over bottom of prepared plate: sprinkle with cheese, artichole hearts and green onions. Beat eggs and sour cream in medium bowl until blended; pour over artichoke mixture.

Bake for 30 - 40 minutes or until centre is set. Cut into wedges. Season with black pepper.

Great on it's own for brunch or add a mixed green salad for dinner.

i am grateful for.....

2008-09-18T14:10:00.000-07:00

three things i am grateful for.....

1) our friend, the honey bee, who

pollenates aprox 90% of our food crops!

2) mother natures impeccable color

sense!

3) having the opportunity to do what

i love everyday!.......draw

thinking about art

2008-09-16T08:52:00.000-07:00

"Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time."

- Thomas Merton, 1915 -1968 trappist monk and author

Friday's Foodie - a weekly recipe for the finicky!

2008-09-12T12:04:00.000-07:00

Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins

compliments last week's foodie "Spicy Chicken Chilli"
1 1/2 cups cornmeal
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
6 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup olive oil
3 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped

In a bowl, combine the first six ingredients. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk and oil. Add to the dry ingredients and stir just until moistened. Stir in jalapenos. Pour into a greased 9-in. square baking pan.
Bake at 400 degrees F for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cut into squares or wedges. Serve warm with last weeks foodie "Spicy Chicken Chilli"!

"Holiday Greetings" 2007

2008-09-06T13:10:00.001-07:00

I will be introducing 2-3 new card designs for the 2008 season,

but I will have this one of my 2007 "Holiday Cards" available again this year!

Thinking about the "Holiday Season"!

2008-09-06T12:41:00.000-07:00

I know it's only September but I had actually planned on creating my "Seasons Greetings" in August! So I'm working a little behind schedule!!

This is one possible card design I'm considering for 2008.

I like the idea of christmas being "green", "real" and "natural". Living christmas trees, handmade ornaments, gifts from nature...and spontaneous, like this scene!

Lilac Breasted Roller

2008-09-05T11:02:00.000-07:00

I have justed started to experiment with pastels.

This is a "Lilac Breasted Roller" of S. Africa. They are noted for their "rolling" aerial acrobatics!

Friday's Foodie - a weekly recipe for the finicky!

2008-09-05T09:48:00.000-07:00

Spicy Chicken Chilli

2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped fine
1 pound skinless chicken thighs, cut into strips
4 tsp chilli powder
1 tbsp ground cumin
2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt
2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped
1 1/2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
2 1/2 cups chicken stock
1 can (398 ml) black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro

In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; saute for 3 minutes or until tender. Increase heat to medium high and add chicken strips; saute for 3 minutes or until no longer pink. Stir in chilli powder, cumin, oregano and salt. Add jalapeno peppers, tomato and stock.
Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes.
Uncover saucepan; stir in pinto and black beans and black pepper. Simmer for about 15 minutes or until chilli is thickened. Serve topped with cilantro.
Makes 4 servings. Makes 8 cups chilli.

A Tribute to Pat of Etsy's Boomers!

2008-09-04T17:14:00.000-07:00

Pat of www.preciousquilts.etsy.com is stepping down as our Boomers and Beyond Etsy Street Team administrator. In appreciation of her hardwork our new administrators have organized a "butterfly event" !

Please visit

http://www.flickr.com/groups/bbestseptswap08/

to view our collection of buttterflies!

Meet my kids!

2008-09-04T16:10:00.001-07:00

My beautiful daughter, Brenna, with her son, Ezra, and my son, Nic.

I am a very blessed!

Tyler O'Farrell January 26, 1980 - August 24, 2008

2008-09-04T15:53:00.000-07:00

We lost our nephew tragically on Aug 24, 2008. As a family we came together to share in our loss, rejoice in our precious memories and offer our support to his parents, step parents and siblings and many extended family and friends. From this tragedy many wonderful things have occured, relationships mended, ties strengthend, and life and love acknowledged and appreciated. Thank you Tyler for this gift!

Good morning!

2008-09-04T13:38:00.000-07:00

Just enjoyed 7 wonderful days with my daughter and grandson! What a special time for us and what a lovely little boy! This is Ezra he was born February 16, 2008

di's on-line gallery

2008-08-22T09:35:00.000-07:00

Create stunning art websites, art widgets and exhibits - Wix.com

2008-08-22T07:58:00.000-07:00

Finished! Didn't take long once i set my mind to it! He's now an uplifting notecard and matted print ("free to be me"!)

Ta Tahh!

2008-02-16T08:38:00.000-08:00

off for a month!!

Red Fish

2008-02-16T08:26:00.001-08:00

a "work in progress" that just isn't getting finished!

Illustration Friday "Theory" - "a work in progress...."

2008-02-16T08:03:00.000-08:00

My theory is if I post an unfinished work I will be more likely to finish it...accountability!
We'll see how my theory holds up!

"Maggie", colored pencil on bristol board

2008-02-15T10:08:00.000-08:00

I'm quite enjoying spending a few minutes each morning just doodling in my sketch book! It's like going out for a run...it clears your head. Reminds me of "morning papers" in (I think) "the Artist Way"
It's not about "doing it right" just doing!

"Gato Espanol"

2008-02-14T12:44:00.000-08:00

Taken "kitty" a little further.

my "kitty model" is a stuffed doll that i bought in mexico from the cutest little girl!

2008-02-14T09:56:00.000-08:00

Feb 14, 2008

i see posiblities with the kitty and the fish

think I'll work further with these 2