Chocolate and Cherry

I have been scrambling getting ready for my first art show on April 21.  Mountain Brook Art Association is having their annual spring show this Saturday.  Got my tent, some cool display screens and have been painting like crazy.  Fingers crossed that it doesn't rain.

This painting is in a series of tiny treats on 4"x4" canvas.  Stress makes me think chocolate.                 Buy now on etsy.

Pineapple "Casserole"

As I prepared food to take to our family's Easter dinner, I thought about the ladies who created some of those quintessential southern recipes.  Like banana pudding, glazed ham, or the pineapple "casserole."

Pineapple casserole is a holiday staple in our house.  Who dreamed this one up?

First, take a lot of sugary canned fruit - pineapple - then add a cup of sugar.  Now, because there may not be enough empty calories, add a cup of refined, white flour.  Now I know what you are thinking, at this point our casserole is fat-free,  we can't have that, so let's add shredded cheddar cheese.  Yum.  Now it needs a topping. . . let's take butter flavored crackers, crush them and toss them with a whole stick of melted butter.  Yummier.  Heat until the cheese melts and the crackers turn golden brown.

Now anywhere else in the country, this would probably be served as dessert, but down here it's a side dish.  Used in place of a vegetable.  Right next to the sweet potato casserole with brown sugar pecan topping and the strawberry-jello-pretzel "salad."
I love the south.

Blue Lips

OK, so David titled this one.  Because if you eat this cupcake, your lips will turn blue.  I know.

This is painted on a 4"x4"x1 1/2" canvas that has painted sides and will stand by itself.   I painted some similar ones (of angels) for Anna's teachers at Christmas time.  I am thinking that this would make a great end of the year gift for a teacher.  A calorie free cupcake for your favorite teacher.  What do you think?
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Spring Green

Anna's been wearing her green and pink Converse since spring has sprung here.  She probably won't be wearing her plum suede ones again until next fall.   I put away my socks and boots and got out the sandals and shorts.  I have to admit, I prefer the comfort and coverage of winter wear.  There is so much maintainance involved in the summer.  Shaving, tanning lotion, toenail polish.  Do I sound lazy?
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We Like Sheep

Anna and I spent a gorgeous Saturday morning recently at the petting farm in Oak Mountain State Park.  The goats were super friendly and interacted with us, the sheep seemed unimpressed.  They were content to graze in the warm sun.
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All we like sheep have gone astray;  we have turned - every one - to his own way;  and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.           Isaiah 53:6

I am the good shepherd.  The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.       John 10:11

Bluebird of Happiness

I love bluebirds, even though I don't see them often.  I have spotted them on the athletic fields behind Anna's school.  Bluebirds want open fields, which you don't get much of in suburbia.

 The bluebird carries the sky on his back. 
Henry David Thoreau 

The Bluebird of Happiness long absent from his life, Ned is visited by the Chicken of Depression. 
Gary Larson

Goldfinch

Near the end of the summer, I enjoyed seeing a Goldfinch pair on my purple coneflowers.  Apparently they liked the seedy "cones."   This spring, I have spied a goldfinch on the feeder, but he only has tufts of bright yellow feathers beginning to sprout.  I can't wait to see him all yellow again.  I painted this little guy in all of his golden glory on a purple coneflower.  He is the same size and format as my Titmouse and Chickadee.    Click here to buy.