“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” ....Oscar Wilde

Friday 17 January 2014

Frantic Friday!

Well what a day...but I think I've got a lot to show for it, so far.
I revisited the flower jug I started working on last Wednesday which is quite an achievement for me. 
I tend never to go back to anything that I don't finish in one go. 
But not this time, so I'm feeling pleased with myself for that reason alone. 

I'm not sure I like it, but I'm just going to move on and keep drawing/painting a project every week until I get that feeling that I'm safely into a new routine. 
I've already got a few ideas of what might come next, so that's a definite move in the right direction. 
If you'd like to join in with Eva and Kristin's Friday Paint Party fun like me, then click HERE to see what fantastic artists are up to this week. 

Keeping with my creative flow today (especially after watching the Sports Aid Celebrity Bake Off) I decided to bake today. I haven't been baking much lately either, but after my son's down-turned mouth at the suggestion that I was going to make a lemon drizzle tray bake, I decided to make a chocolate orange flourless cake that I've made before.
It's a fantastic, simple recipe that you can see by clicking HERE
Here's what it looks like...well it would be better if someone hadn't taken a chunk out of it before my photoshoot! Clearly the chocolate hasn't even had time to set...that just highlights how quickly these things disappear in this house. 
And no it wasn't me!!!
After feeling I'd indulged the right side of my brain enough today, I thought I'd better get back to the dust issue. But today it was rather fun. 
I know that doesn't really go together does it? 
Dusting and fun but look at McMuffy below...
She had a whale of a time meeting my new ostrich feather duster ^..^
Grr...

She's timid of quite a few random things so naturally I thought that she might be scared of this too, especially when I shook it at her (Mmmmwwwhhhaaa) but I think she thinks she's found a new friend. 
Now I've got to teach her how to use it! 
I'm off now to get ready for the weekend...bring it on.
https://secure.quebles.com/content/hotmail/emoticons/1508619.gif
Have fun whatever you get up to. 
Enjoy yourself and I'll hopefully see you again soon.
xo
p.s. I'm such a numpty but it has been frantic here today therefore I forgot to add my painting into the Artist Play Room today...(sorry Jenn)...so here's the link if you'd like to check out some of the other artists work. I know I will ;D

35 comments:

  1. your new painting is so gorgeous!!!! love it and that cake looks scrumptious!!!!! Happy PPF!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Diana,
      Thanks for your lovely comment. Apparently the cake is scrumptious but I've yet to try a piece. I'll try to have some with my next cuppa if it doesn't disappear before then ;D
      Happy PPF to you too!

      Delete
  2. I think the painting/sketch is beautiful. I love the colors but the twisty turns of the twigs are totally tantalizing! As for the cake, apparently someone else thought it looked delicious.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They did indeed Faye....in fact it's now only half the size it was since I took that photo! ;D
      Thanks for your comment on my artwork. Those twigs are fantastic to use in floral displays and I love having the twisted hazel tree in the garden.
      Have a wonderful weekend and Happy PPF to you!

      Delete
  3. wow loving your new painting and the cake looks lovely.Happy PPF, Annette x

    http://nettysartadventures.blogspot.co.uk/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aww thanks Netty,
      I appreciate you stopping by...happy PPF to you too ;D

      Delete
  4. fabulous painting!!! That cake looks so yummy-I have to bake one Sun when the family will be coming for dinner to celebrate hubby's birthday. And what a sweet pup! I used to buy dusters from a local dollar store cuz when my dog was young she used to go after my dusters all the time:) Happy PPF!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Linda,
      I think the cake would be great for your celebration get-together with the family. If you do decide to bake it I'd love to know if it was a success. Half of mine is missing already so it's certainly a hit in this house ;D
      Muffy is ten years old but there's still a lot of pup left in her. She loves to play ^..^
      Happy PPF to you too...enjoy the weekend and thanks for stopping by.

      Delete
  5. Love your painting....at first I thought it was an actual vase standing on the sketch book....how's that for real looking!! Beautiful and your little dog too!! Cake looks so yummy my daughter is allergic to eggs...but we love chocolate from the UK so I just know it tastes so good!! Sent the recipe to my best friend instead!!

    Hugs Giggles

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Now you are being too kind Giggles...but it's lovely to receive such wonderful comments especially encouraging, which is just what I need.
      It's a shame about your daughters allergy. There's six eggs in this recipe so definitely one to stay clear of, but I think it's a great idea passing it to your best friend. She may invite you round for a cuppa and a slice and then you'll be able to taste just how yummy it really is.

      I love your blog name by the way ;D
      Have a great weekend whatever you have planned...giggle and enjoy!

      Delete
  6. It's so great you went back and finished a project. I do that sometimes and it's very satisfying. I really like it! The organic part especially is really pretty. Also, my goodness, such a super cute dog. (I've got a Lhasa/Cavalier cross). :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm happy that I did revisit it Cindy, but I'm not convinced with it...I wasn't sure about it even before I started so I suppose it's something. Anyway next week is a whole new ball game! ;D
      My McMuffy is a little cutie but then she knows it ^..^

      Thanks for popping over to my place...and I hope you have a wonderful weekend whatever you're doing :D

      Delete
  7. Wonderful painting! lovely CAKE!!!! wow! your dog is soooo cute! :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aww...thanks for your lovely comment...I really appreciate it ;D
      Have a great time this weekend ~ enjoy!

      Delete
  8. OMG, sweetie, both that cake and that vase of flowers looks delicious! I can't believe any cake that high and chocolaty looking is flour less so I'll go check out the recipe forthwith. Hehehe, mcMuffy looks so cute. We had a cat who loved to jump on our feather duster, wow, it wasn't a "Friendly" thing though, hehehe.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jenn,
      Thanks for your lovely kind comment about my dodgy jug! ;D hehe
      But the cake is a winner. You'll have to let me know how you get on if you try it.
      Just remember there's no calories involved if you stand on one leg whilst baking it! Simple!
      I fully expected McMuffy to flip and run when she saw the duster but she just rushed straight in there to say 'hello'...I really must get her out more ^..^

      Have a wonderful weekend and I'll come and visit you soon.
      Pop that kettle on xoxo

      Delete
  9. I can't paint but I can bake cakes. That looks yummy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Away you go then Bill...it's a good one especially if you like Jaffa cakes or chocolate orange ;D
      Don't forget to let me know the verdict if you do bake it.
      Happy baking and thanks for stopping by once again.

      Delete
  10. I wasn't here for a long time and it's such a pleasure to scroll through your posts again! Your illustration of the bouqet is awesome! And I love looking at the cake! It looks perfect and yummy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's just what I've done Stefanie...I've just looked at the cake and it's slowly disappearing! ;D
      Thanks for visiting and taking the time to scroll back through my natterings.

      Have a fun weekend and I'll pop over to your place soon.

      Delete
  11. Your painting is so interesting and unusual in both subject matter for the contents of the jug and the colours. It is so well worth continuing with, and I look forward to seeing it completed. I love the contorted twigs, remind me of a small curly hazel tree we had in one of our gardens with lovely twisted branches and twigs.
    The rich colours of your cake with the splash of orange against the chocolate colour is a delicious photo, but I hope that I am the only grumpy non-chocolate lover who wouldn't appreciate a gift of a chunk (more for everyone else!). The idea of a flourless cake is interesting though, especially for those like members of my family who are gluten intolerant.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow Jez that's a long comment...which is wonderful ;D
      Thanks for taking the time...I really appreciate it.
      The curly hazel tree (or corkscrew hazel as it's sometimes called) is in our garden and I love it both in summer (with it's leaves) and in winter (with just the curly wurly branches on show).
      It's just perfect to add into floral displays that I cut and bring into the house.
      It's now displaying plump catkins gently unfurling into long, wavy tassels which adds a whole new dimension.
      I'm thrilled that you noticed my little addition of the vibrant orange for the photo. It's a pity that my son had nipped in and messed the cake stand, but I had to be quick taking the photo...not only because it was disappearing before my eyes, but because the dim light of a damp, grey, January day wasn't helping.
      I thought the recipe might appeal to more people with being flour-less.

      Now oh how I wish I wasn't a chocoholic...it would save me a fortune!
      Oh now see what's happened...I'm craving a chunk of choccie and will have to raid the fridge!
      I don't really go for cakes...I only bake them, but I have a weakness for a few cubes from a bar especially, if they're chilled.
      Stop, stop me now otherwise I'll be drooling on my keyboard.

      Have a great weekend...I'm off to the fridge! :D

      Delete
  12. Love your painting...the detail is wonderful as is the colours...Cake...O my goodness that's the diet out the window... it looks so yummy...off to get the recipe...bless wee Muffin thinking she had a found friend when all along it was a ploy by her mum to get her to do the dusting (lol) she is such a cutie....Hugs May x x x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oops sorry May but if you eat it standing on one leg I believe that there's no calories involved! ;D
      Muffin may well be cute in more than one way because she's having none of the dusting! ^..^
      Back to me I'm afraid...ho hum!
      Hugs to you May and loving gruffs from Muffy to her favourite Aunty.
      xoxo

      Delete
  13. You may not be sure you like it, but I'm sure I do. It's wonderful choice of subject. Love the juxtaposition of those bare branches with the soft curves of the flower petals and the colors are just lovely.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh thank you Aranthe...it's always interesting to hear other people's views.
      And so pleasant too when it's positive. I'm trying to stretch myself so it's a nervy time just now, so thanks for your encouragement. ;D

      I hope you're having a great weekend and it continues throughout!

      Delete
    2. I've tried to visit your blog but all four are showing no posts.
      I'm not sure if it's me or there's a fault.
      I'll try again keeping my fingers crossed!

      Delete
  14. hi nessie, your idea of having an art routine that woks for you is a good one. if i bite off more than i can chew art becomes a chore. cant have that. your drawing is lovely. i especially like the composition and blended colors in the flower.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well I've tried everything else and the artwork always seemed to come last but I'm determined to change that in 2014.
      Thanks for your comment and I apologise for my late reply...but better late than never eh? ;D

      Delete
  15. Hi Neesie
    You've had an amazingly creative Frantic Friday.
    Keep baking those cakes and the family will forgive you spending endless hours being creative!!! I am glad you are getting back to the old routine, well worthwhile, it's marvellous! Stop being your own worst critic :) Said with love and admiration from a friend who can't, paint that is...!!!
    As to McMufty and her ostrich feathers I'm not so sure it was the dusting she had on her mind, maybe something more Moulin Rouge - you know she always been the best dressed dog in the park whichever country she's been living in!!
    Have a great Sunday
    Wren x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Wren,
      It's been a frantic week since Frantic Friday actually and I'm not sure if this routine is the old or new but it's still as busy :$
      I can't help myself...I always pick fault with my artwork but it's something I'm trying to work on. Thanks for your encouragement.
      It's funny you should say that about McMuffy and the duster feathers because the same thing went through my mind only not for her! HA!
      She's not very happy with me tonight because I've bathed her and she's putting on a great performance of 'Oh woe is me...I'm freezing and no-one cares' ^..^
      She shaking at least to an 8 on the Richter scale!

      Apologies for my late reply but I'm hoping you'll forgive me...better late than never eh?
      Have a great week whatever you get up to and I'll visit you soon xoxo

      Delete
  16. Ohhhh I really like this. The branches are fantastic!!! And yumm on the cake.
    Nicole/Beadwright

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aww thanks so much Nicole...sorry for my late reply but it's been that kind of week
      Hopefully you're having a great week ;D
      Thanks for stopping by my place...I appreciate it.

      Delete
  17. Lovely sketch and scrumptious looking cake!
    Muffy seems to have found a new toy--LOL! :)
    I didn't make it into APR this week. I'll have to try for next week.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm amazed I made it Rita and as you can see by how late I am with my reply...the Frantic Friday carried on over the weekend and into this week!
      Have a great week and I'll see you soon
      xoxo

      Delete

I get so excited to see you here and love to read your thoughts and comments.
I always try to answer each one personally (I think it's only polite)
...♥...I truly appreciate your precious time here so thank you ...♥...

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...