A LIttle Bit of Drawing...

A couple of weeks ago I started a new adventure...someone in a local home school group mentioned that they were looking for a beginning drawing class. With a little nudge from a wonderful friend I decided that was something I could do!

I made lots (and lots) of notes....lists...googled quite a bit...and finally came up with a set of lesson plans that I was happy with.

Each week we are learning about a different artist....we started with Leonardo...I couldn't think of anyone better.  A man of many hats and wearing them all so well.

We are, of course, exploring many different types of drawing materials - a perfect time to pull out my precious pencil box.  This box was made by my Honey (that is what we called our grandfather) when I was just a girl! It makes me happy every time I open it up to search for what ever it is I need.

I have a collection of art books available, in case someone has a spare moment to fill, and some flowers...from...MY GARDEN! During our first class we made portfolios (to hold all the beautiful artwork we will create), we created our own sketch books (to practice, practice, practice) and we worked with all of our various materials (you can imagine how happy I was opening and closing that pencil box!).  It was a great day and I am excited about this challenge.

Get a paper and pencil and do a sketch today! And, let me know how it turned out!

xoxo    Elizabeth

Cheesecake

One of the Hubby's favorite things is cheesecake....so for his birthday I made one.  I tried a new recipe from Kraft.

Vanilla Mousse Cheesecake.....tasty!

The crust is made with Vanilla Wafters instead of graham crackers...

and of course, there is vanilla in it!  I got the recipe from one of our favorite food magazines - Martha Stewart's 'Everyday Food'.  Lane has a subscription and so we peruse it every month and try new things!

Saving shells for a Halloween project!

 The recipe went together easily...

...but be prepared there is some 'chilling' involved and that means waiting for a while until you can sample your handiwork!  We went out to dinner so the time would pass more quickly....then when we got home Voila!  Cheesecake for dessert!

 Thank you Kraft...and Martha Stewart!


xoxo        Elizabeth

A Birthday

This last week we celebrated my hubby's birthday.  He isn't one for big celebrations...but he does like to do a little something.  Not before sleeping in though...so Lane made a wonderful lunch for him and we had a small celebration.

We wrapped up a few small tokens of our affection...

made some sweet tea...

Isn't that a wonderful plate!? My brother painted it for me!

and set the table with the 'not everyday' dishes.

It's just more like a party with the 'not everyday' dishes.  Lane's sandwiches were a hit!

And, as my daddy always says...A good time was had by all!

xoxo           Elizabeth