Today is Shih Tzu Day... PPF

As many of you will know, we've had a worrying time with our little ShihTzu Muffin. 

She's had three trips to the vets so far, 8 injections, three blood tests (that I know of) one scan and 3 x-rays to identify her weight loss problem. 

She was 4.6 kilos and had dropped to 3.7 kilos! 

Thankfully she's gained .1 of a kilo, so we're heading in the right direction now, but it's a struggle. 

(Her condition has been diagnosed as IBD)

We are still closely monitoring her and administering medication, which is a circus to say the least.

She's very much been the centre of attention over the last few weeks, so it seems appropriate that today just happens to be ShihTzu Day. 

Who decides these random days is a mystery to me, but it fits in quite nicely with both what's been happening here and in my current painting.

The last time I tried to paint Muffin was a little disastrous, so I thought after painting the giraffe that I'd have another go at painting an animal.

It's obviously a work in progress and I've got such a long way to go, but it's certainly different than my last attempt, so it shows I'm progressing in my painting.

Just in case you've noticed and are worried... there is smoke coming from the folly in the garden.
It's just my hubby busy burning off garden waste... hedges, leaves, branches etc.

The folly is an ideal place for such activities, plus it's well away from any washing!

The intention in that this painting will be to capture Muffy as a pup and as she is now.

(Apparently it was Happy Puppy Day yesterday!) 

I've not had much time what with all the vet appointments and trying to hide tablets and hand feeding.

(Never underestimate the sheer stubbornness of a Shihtzu when it comes to administering
medication... they are certainly switched on.) 

There's still masses to do on this one, but it's good to have it sitting there waiting for me to nip in and out of the studio. 

Here's 'madame' sitting enjoying some warmth on the studio windowsill, whilst I paint. 

It's a relaxing scene now after the shenanigans of medication time! 

I'm linking up with Paint Party Friday

If you'd like to see amazing art, then click on the above link.

I'd just like to say a huge thank you for all the lovely messages, prayers, positive vibes and kind words I've received over the airways.

I really appreciate each and every one of them.
xxxx

Have a fantastic Friday and I wish you an enjoyable weekend.

A Meeting Of The Clan... PPF

This is how I left my studio on Wednesday morning... I'm missing it, but there's work to be done. 

My daughter is flying from one nest to another within Edinburgh, so the Clan is meeting up to give her a hand!

As you can see I decided to revisit painting the wildflower meadow with acrylic paints before I left.

I feel much happier with this one, especially with a few more little additions, but I've still got a lot to learn.

Because I've been hanging on to summer for as long as I possibly could, I thought I'd include a butterfly and swallows.

Autumn has arrived... so now on to the glorious autumnal colour display.
Before I go Muffin wanted you to see her on holiday.
I think she's totally confused with what's happening, but coping.

Enjoy your weekend everyone and I hope to see you back at the studio again soon.
As usual I'm linking up with Paint Party Friday.

Sharing Studio Space... PPF & Sunday Sketches

Here is the room that I'm desperate to reacquaint myself with. 

My art studio.

I've neglected it so much favouring the big outdoor canvas of my garden, while the weather is kind.

Once my hubby retired (about a month or two ago) he became mistaken that this particular room (my studio) might be his too. 

He moved the computer monitor and keyboard on to my desk and spread files and paperwork about in gay abandon! 

Well that might be a little exaggerated, because he is really tidy and everything has to be in a file or on a spreadsheet, but you get the jist. 

It was my space!

I've mentioned this before, but muscling in to my space just wasn't on the plan as far as I was concerned. I have been working on the kitchen table lately, so I suppose I should be a little lenient... but now we're entering autumn I want to reorganise my space and move back in.

Once again when I mentioned this... hubby decided to pull everything out of the room for me to organise and decide where it should go. 

Having everything piled along the landing certainly induces productive work! 

It wasn't on my plan, but then at least it prioritised my time and got me to focus. 

Hopefully, I'll actually be able to spend some time creating and producing art next!

(Note to self: Don't mention things out loud within hubby's earshot, because he's likely to get involved whether or not I want him too).

It's time to join the Paint Party link up where Kristin and Eva host lots of talented artists to come together to share their work and inspiration.

I'm also linking up with Alexandra Sunday Sketches. 
It is week 6 already!

So that's it for this week folks.

Thanks for popping in to my place... it's great to have you visit and even better if you leave a comment, so I know you've been here. 

I'm off to start my visiting... Have a great week everyone.

Camera... Action - PPF

Hello everyone... can you believe that it's Friday! 

Woohoo and a long Bank Holiday weekend for some too.

Normally you'd expect good weather for the May Bank Holiday, but once again we had snow and hail storms today. 

Seriously will it ever warm up?

Can I just say please don't judge me... once you see the video below you'll know what I mean.

I thought I'd distract myself from the weather and have a little play by trying to make a video whilst drawing.

To say I got a little worked up about it, possibly was an understatement.

I really don't like any part of me to be in front of the camera. 

I'd much rather be behind the lens. 

The drawing will be used as a draft because basically it just isn't good enough. 

I think I was too conscious of the camera instead of enjoying the journey of creating. 

Usually my mind wanders to I know not where and I feel thoroughly de-stressed after finishing a drawing... but not today. 

Anyway here it is....

Because this video doesn't really show the sketch here's a photo of it.

But as I mentioned it isn't finished yet... there's still more work to be done. 

I've had two weeks of appointments, but finally I'm free now, so hopefully I'll be able to spend some time doing some serious painting soon. 

Especially if this weather continues, because quite frankly there's no way that I'll be spending any time in the garden until the temperature starts to rise.
I'll be linking up with the Paint Party Friday group if you'd like to see some stunning artwork then click here.

I'm also linking into Alexandra's Sunday Sketches

Thank you for visiting today.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend and I'll see you again soon.

What's on your work desk Wednesday (WOYWW 325)

Cuteness Alert!

As it's Wednesday I thought you might like to see what's on my desk this afternoon.

Just two things firstly.... make sure that you have the sound switched on and secondly... I can assure you that no animal was harmed in the making of this video.

So here she is... dah dah!!!

I am seriously working in the studio this week, but I thought I'd be super quick with today's post and let Miss Muffy do the talking.

She's fresh from the grooming salon and wanted to give you a wave and say 'Hi'.

Besides it's 'National Dog Day'

If you would like to see some artwork then take a trip across to Julia's WOYWW (What's On Your Work Desk Wednesday) and visit desks from all over the world.

I'll be sure to let you see my new project's soon.

Have fun 

and thanks for your visit

Slugs and Snails and Puppy Dog tails... PPF

Hands up if you don't believe it can be Friday already? 

Well it is... and what a week it's been.
But today is party day thanks to Eva and Kristin hosting this weeks Paint Party Friday

So other than Muffy sitting on it... what else is on my desk this Friday?

Snails... (yuk) 

I personally dislike them with a passion, but after seeing Nic and her blue snail holding onto her teabag, on the side of her cup, I offered to send her some of my slimy pests.

Not surprisingly she declined... well they weren't a beautiful blue colour for a start. 

But that got me thinking perhaps I should be a little more tolerant 

(not covering them with salt as some people do) 

but think of them possibly bringing other wildlife into my garden.

Perhaps owls and hedgehogs? 

I've heard the owls in the nearby woods,so I know they're quite near. 

I just need them to know there's an abundant feast here, before the little pests devour my hostas completely!

I seem to be a little lost with my art at the moment.
I don't know what I want to draw/paint, so I reverted back to base... revisiting my zentangle phase.
I go into a trance when I'm drawing these designs... but alas this time it didn't work. 

Maybe that phase is over?

That's a shame because it was good whilst it lasted... we'll have to see?

I'm thinking I'll colour this snail to try to brighten up his popularity.

Just a slight deviation... look what my sister saw in her garden this week.

Now I'd love one of these cute visitors.

Mrs Tiggywinkle come to tea.

Gorgeous isn't she?

(well I'm saying she but I haven't a clue... please put me right if she is in fact a he!) 

The sun is shining and there's a party, so if you'd like to join in come on over.

See you there...

Have a wonderful weekend... enjoy!

PPF Peony and the Eclipse

I can't believe that I missed the Paint Party Friday celebrations last week with Eva and Kristin.

So I'm making sure I don't miss it today... here's the link if you'd like to visit the party too.

But there's always a silver lining if you look hard enough because as part of the PPF 4th Birthday/Anniversary/Blogoversary celebrations there was a optional challenge and not one that I'd find easy. 

The challenge was to paint a self-portrait. 

(Gulp... thank goodness I missed that)

Now that would be have been a challenge for me...

So what have I been up to instead... let's take a look

It appears that I'm all in the pink this week. 

I'm even wearing a pink pashmina today!

My pink Mother's Day bouquet and card set me thinking about the summer blooms that hopefully will be appearing in my garden soon. 

The peony is one of my favourites...

As you can see I'm working on the kitchen table once more.

I decided to start this particular painting whilst the football was on the television.

I plugged in my earphones and had a brilliant time listening to classical music. 

Thankfully it blocked out the footy commentators, guru's, chants and my hubby's tactitional expertise!

But I don't have to use the kitchen table anymore because my daughter has relocated.

I now have my studio back... although there's some thinking and planning needed it's great to get back in here. She had lots of success whilst using the studio, so I'm hoping that the good positive vibes will inspire me too.  

That is if studio pooch will move over to let me have some space. 

It's amazing how popular this particular room is. 

If you'd like to see my daughter's new studio space here it is below... 

Cool isn't it? 

Here's a link if you'd like to see more of her work... click here and here

Before I head off to work on my peony, I thought you might like to see the eclipse that everyone is talking about here in the UK this morning. 

I didn't think we'd get to see anything here in Aberdeenshire, but we had a lucky break in the clouds and caught glimpses of it.
I think it worked out better having some cloud cover... it wasn't too bright or too much glare.
I probably will have poo-monia later as I stood outside for quite a time with soaking wet hair from my shower. I've hardly been about to warm up since, but I suppose these amazing specticals don't happen often and you have to sieze the moment. 

There was talk that the dogs would howl and the birds would stop singing, but that didn't happen. Muffty was still in her bed all snuggled up for the drop in temperature and the birds kept singing... maybe distracted by the fact that I'd just replenished the feeders and it was game on!

However there was a dog howling in the nearby woods but I suspect that he was just over excited with the rabbits running hither and thither.

These are not the best shots but considering I thought I wouldn't even see it, I suppose I should be grateful. 

Well that's it for today peeps... spring equinox, solar eclipse and a super moon tonight...
Phew...it's been quite a day but now it's time to paint.

Have a fantastic Friday and a wonderful weekend

Hope to see you soon

What's On Your Work Desk Wednesday...WOYWW #265...

Well hello there... 

It's been simple ages since I joined in with the WOYWW gang but I'm pleased to be able to show you my desk today. 

(If you're wondering what on earth I'm talking about...it's all due to Julia over at Stamping Ground so pop over there to check it out if you can). 

So without further ado...here's the desk.

I decided to draw my sisters garden as a line drawing (it's safer than painting for me...but hopefully I'll develop my painting skills when I join the art group in September). 

It's all from memory but I've tried to include some of the major features.

There's so much in her garden, so I had to edit. The pond isn't featured which is a shame nor the fox, but there's the vine and apple tree, plus some of the visitors that pop in regularly...cats, squirrel and masses of birds.

I love to draw using a black ink pen. I find it incredibly relaxing once I know the design I'm aiming for....before that it can be a little stressful. This is something else I've got to work on. 

The photos above show the progress of the drawing. 

And here's the finished piece.
I've just come off the phone from nattering with her and yes she's pleased (phew)

We're both big gardening fans (if you remember we visited Chelsea Flower Show last month together with my daughter and had a great trip) 

In keeping with the garden theme today...here's a photo of a little peony and sweet pea posy that I picked from the garden. The perfume is enough to knock your socks off! 

So I'll let you get on with desk hopping and having fun with the WOYWW gang. 

Thanks for stopping by 

Hopefully I'll see you again soon 

What's On Your Work Desk? #248

I wish I could say something was on my workdesk but look...nada...zip...diddleysquat!

But there is progress...we now have at least highlighted which room will be the art studio. If you've visited me previously you may realise that it's not the original room that I told you about. Like many things around here lately, the plan keeps changing. 

Here's what the other room looked like with it's open fire and downstairs location. 

Click here to view.

It would be a fantastic room but then it would be better as an office/study/snug etc so we've relocated upstairs.

This location will be better because I'll be able to make a mess, leave things lying around or out on the desk etc, so I'm hoping that it'll lend itself to more productivity.

Well they'll be no excuse because our daughter is returning home and she has BIG plans for the room too. This is actually her desk and the paint splattered chair was my Grandmothers. Note the new windows? 

The light wasn't the best for taking these photos and now when I look at the colours I'm glad that I'm not showing you my artwork. For instance, the carpet is in fact blue. It was to be thrown out but now will remain because it will probably be splashed, glued, and generally splodged! 

The view out of this window is stunning and should certainly inspire us...its overlooking the side garden and is filled with plants, trees, masses of birds and their song. It also has amazing sunsets too.
 Oh I'm so looking forward to spring and summer.

Anyway, the lovely Julia over at her Stamping Ground blog will be slapping my wrists for taking so much of your time...these WOYWW posts are supposed to be brief so that we can nip around the globe checking out each others desks...and there's a few to visit. 

If you'd like to play too click here to be transported. 

But one last thing that your might like to see before you go...It's Aberdeen Art Gallery.

Aberdeen Art Gallery is the main visual arts exhibition space in the city of Aberdeen. It opened in 1885 in a building designed by Alexander Marshall Mackenzie. 

The fascinating history of the Art Gallery can be traced back to 1873. 

I nipped into the gift shop briefly last week and noticed that they are currently exhibiting 'The Great Tapestry of Scotland'. 

I know that many of the WOYWW gang may be interested to read about this amazing project.

(photo courtesy of Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museums)

Click here if you'd like to know more.

Well I must dash...there's so much to do.

I'm so sorry if I haven't managed to reply to your much loved comments or visited you yet, but I hopefully will. I have every good intention, it's just this sleep thingy that happens and gets in the way especially after my 5.30am start and 17 hours on the go! 

Have a wonderful Wednesday whatever you do...have fun and keep smiling

 

xoxo

What's on Your Work Desk Wednesday...WOYWW #224

Morning Peeps...and fellow WOYWWer's as it's Wednesday! 

You are going to be so impressed with me today...not because I've been super clever, talented, artistic or for any other reason other than this is going to be the shortest post EVER! 

(Hopefully a gold star potential)

So to make sure I keep my word...quickly here's my very temporary desk but at least there's something on it. 

Nothing much has changed in the room but hey ho it will one day.

This week I finally got a little time to start painting colour on some of my thistle cards...plus I spent a very enjoyable evening in here whilst my boys watched, shouted and screamed at the television whilst watching football in the lounge. 

I lit the fire and settled down to a little sketching time...in fact I only sketched for one half of the match, but it did feel good to get back to it! 

I think I'll be using footy time for further art sessions.

Everyone's happy! 

I've been wanting to draw a Puffin since I saw a programme about them shortly after returning to Scotland. 

It was all about Pufflets and I was hooked as soon as I heard the word...'Pufflet'!

I'm sort of a Pufflet myself these days! 

Well winters coming so stock up I say ;D

Apologies for the photo below because it was quite late when I took it. 
As you can see the fire has died down because I'd been so engrossed. 

So there you have it...my desk this week. 

If you want to see lots of other desks from around the globe just nip over to Julia over at Stamping Ground.

Thanks for stopping by...it's always great to have visitors. 

Apologies because all of the Apple and Blackberry crumble has gone, but there maybe a slice of Treacle and Ginger Cake left if you hurry! 

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone

Toodleloo for now

I hope your day is 'Purrfect'? ~ WOYWW

Today is going to be a toasty day here in Melbourne, with the temperature rising up to near 40C degrees once again, so I'm going to stay in my studio! 

There that's my excuse and I'm sticking with it!

Maybe if you are currently viewing from the Northern Hemisphere then with any luck my photos might radiate a little warmth for you. :D

By some freaky universal switcheroo or some greater force, I've actually managed to be able to spend quite a lot of time in the studio over this past week, which has been both surprising and thoroughly enjoyable. 

I have to confess there hasn't been much work done...more a sorting, collating and thinking process....

OKAY... PROCRASTINATING!

Well at least I've got some desk space now to actually do something, when hopefully I have an idea fight its way through to the front of the queue, over all the pandemonium that is going on in my head! 

There is a silk scarf draped over the frame at the end of the table. I had planned on painting it for someone's birthday but then the birthday came and went! I suppose I can paint it and keep it until next year ...imagine me being early for once...now there's a thought!!!!

There's also my cuppa which is never far from my side...I just couldn't function without my cuppa at regular intervals during the day. I love fine boned china cups but unfortunately I like to drink my tea at the molten lava temperature and I find that china just doesn't work for most of the day in a china teacup. It only works for me when I'm sitting giving it my full attention. Otherwise I get distracted and it quickly goes too cold before I can get to it. So thank goodness for Denby!

There's also a few calendars that are just waiting to be adopted...if anyone knows of a good home then please contact me....they've been reduced in my Etsy shop so they're a great bargain right now! 

But having said that there's been no work done, there has in fact been one drawing that just appeared out of the blue...

I'm totally aware that my posts are very one sided in the pet department (mainly poochy posts) so this  sketch is for all the cat lovers out there.

I'm not entirely sure he's finished yet? The more I look at him the more I keep adding.  
If you would like to see more desks and creativity then pop over to Julia at Stamping Ground. 

I'm having terrible trouble with my internet, emails, mobile phone and posting today...maybe it's the heat, so I think I'm going to call it a day....I've got lots of photos to show you so maybe tomorrow might be a better day. Don't you just love all this technical stuff when it's working well but when it isn't???!?!?! GRR!

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone.

for stopping by...I'll look forward to seeing you again soon.

A Giveaway...Plus What's on Your Work Desk? WOYWW

It's Wednesday and I've finally managed to catch up with the WOYWW gang! I've been missing for a few weeks, but I'm back and to make up for my absense I'm including a link to my 'giveaway'...but you'll have to be quick to enter because the giveaway ends tomorrow. 

Click here for the details. 

It's very simple to enter...all you have to do is leave a comment on the post and Mufftypup might draw your name as the winner. She's raring to go for the draw because she knows that they'll be lots of chicken available if she does a good job ^..^

Check out the last giveaway draw.

Yes I know I haven't given you much time to enter and I should have told you earlier ~ sorry!

So let me explain for all of my new followers that WOYWW stands for What's on Your Workdesk and is the brainchild of Julia over at Stamping Ground. 

Nip across and check out all the various artist and crafters desks across the globe. They're a great bunch and very friendly...they'd love to meet you I'm sure.

Now I'm thinking that this could be a monumental week because not only am I involved with the WOYWW  creative, crafty gang, but I've been partying with the lovely Vicki at 2 Bags Full who has organised a mammoth Party Blog Hop! So if the two come together here...WOW that would be amazing!

Well without further delay (because WOYWW is supposed to be a brief post ~ which as you know I have great difficulty keeping brief...it's just not in my makeup apparently...see here I am waffling about keeping brief! (sigh)

So what's on my desk this beautiful sunny day? Well there's lots of wonderful light for a start! 

Apologies if the sun has left your part of the world, but I'll let you have a quick warm from mine ;D

 There are a few new things and one little package that I picked up yesterday from the art suppliers. Well I just happened to be passing but then how can you pass? If you know how then tell me...but on the other hand...never mind I don't think I want to know! Its harmless enough isn't it?

One of the reasons why I didn't make last Wednesday was because I'd made a card that had to reach the UK and I wasn't sure if it would spoil the surprise if I posted it before it arrived.

Now if I tell you my nephew has crabs I don't want any sniggers please! That includes you at the back there!

He has a beautiful tank and keeps sending me little video clips of all the latest inhabitants. 

So instead of sending the usual birthday card featuring golfers, beer or wine, or boat...not that there's anything wrong with those designs...but I wanted something different so I decided I'd draw something that was relevant to him....hence 'Hermit the Crab'.

 

Apologies for the quality of the photograph, but I quickly had to snap it and rush off to the post box in order for it to arrive in time for the birthday. 

Now let me explain...(or give my excuse)...this is only the second time that I've tried to draw with the ink nib pen set that my daughter bought as part of my Christmas present and I realised very early on that I need to spend time practicing. Especially with regard to the lettering!

So there you have it my entry for WOYWW but I'm also thinking laterally and joining in with Jenn's Artist Playroom which this week has 'Mail Art' as its theme.  Jenn will be pleased I'm sure because she's always encouraging us to think laterally! I'm a happy bunny because I've been missing from the APR too but today I've managed to tick quite a few boxes with double entries! 

Yay!!!!

My card has travelled half way around the world to keep me in touch with my nephew and I think that's special. I 'm thinking that post landing in the post box will delight him as much as it delights me. I don't think you can beat snail mail and since blogging I've had such wonderful post from very generous new friends from all over the world. I'm hoping my bright envelope with all the Australian stamps will brighten his day :D

So don't forget to enter for my giveaway if you're interested, or if you have the time check out the other links...there are lots for you this week.

Have a wonderful week everyone ~ whatever you have planned. 

Enjoy and keep smiling

Grow Your Blog Party....plus a 'GIVEAWAY'

WELCOME EVERYONE...hey let's Party!!!
Just when you may have hit the January blues and recovering from all the holiday festivities, we have another invite to a party! Yay!
This one is a blog party and everyone is invited.
It's the brainchild of the lovely Vickie over at 2 Bags Full.

Grow Your Blog Party

 There's even a 'Giveaway'... a kind of party bag for the lucky winner.
So let's get started....

Let me introduce myself...I go by the blog name of 'Neesie' (a nickname that my brother has called me for as long as I can remember) but my name is Denise...not a lot of people know that!

(Initially when I started blogging I wanted to be anonymous)

I love to natter and some say I could even talk under water, so hence the name Neesie Natters!
I first started blogging back in 2009 which is a revelation to me when I checked back to the initial date, because it just feels like it was yesterday.

My daughter suggested that I start to write a blog and I have to admit when she first mentioned it, I hadn't a clue what a blog was never mind how to write one.
And so the steep learning curve began...I've had my ups and downs, my success and my disappointments especially when things didn't go as I thought they should. But that's all been part of an immensely satisfying journey...and one I want to carry on with for as long as I can.
I've met some amazing people along the way and formed some wonderful friendships that I hope will last.
I've also be so incredibly inspired.
I'm trying to improve my writing and photography skills too and when I look back over my posts I can see the progress I've made but it's an ongoing process.

(This photograph was taken in South Africa a few years ago) 

So what else can I tell you....?
I've been an expat for the last 24 years or could that be 25 now? I've been travelling around the globe with my hubby and family. I have one daughter aged 27 years old, who now lives in Edinburgh and a son aged 20 who is here with us in Melbourne.
I love nothing better than to have my little chickadees all in one nest at the same time and we've recently been lucky enough to have spent Christmas in Canada together on a wonderful winter wonderland holiday.

I've posted lots of recipes like my Classic Lemon Tart ....

....but my artwork seems to have taken priority lately. That's not to say a recipe might appear at any time.
I'm happy about finally being able to dedicate more time to my art, so I'm a happy bunny!
Here's a little peak into my studio.

And so onto the diva of the family ~ Muffin or Mufftypup ~ our mini shuh tzu.
She is an expat too...flying on her own all the way from the Middle East to Melbourne to be with us.
If you want to see her story then click here. 

Muffy loves nothing more than doing tricks for some fresh chicken and so when I mentioned that I was going to do another 'GIVEAWAY' she immediately volunteered to take part.

Muffy will once again pick the winner of the 'GIVEAWAY' for all my visitors who leave a comment attached to this post.
She had such a great time last time and don't worry she was well rewarded for her participation.
If you'd like to see her in action click here

So let me show you what's on offer....it's a 2013 calendar containing some of my designs.
I realise that January will be over by the time the winner actually receives this, but hopefully the remaining months will make up for missing January.
Here's the front cover....

So let the party commence...but don't forget to leave a comment below to ensure you're in with a chance of winning.
At this point I should say to all my regular visitors the giveaway is for you too...how could I not include you all....just take a moment and add a comment below and I'll pop you in the draw.
Good Luck everyone!

I'm off to visit all the other party animals now...but why don't you join me? 

Click here to link with Vickie our lovely host over at 2 Bags Full and see lots of other party people.
It's going to be lots of fun!