MATS Bootcamp... PPF

Here we are once again... Friday!

I've had quite a busy but fun time since we last chattered and would you believe it, I'm another year older! 

Moving on swiftly I mentioned a few posts ago that I'd enrolled on to an online art course with the brilliant Lilla Rogers over at Make Art That Sells. 

Each week we are given a mini assignment that leads up to the main assignment at the end of each month. The course lasts until May, so I will have masses of fun times ahead. 

The first mini assignment at the beginning of January was to draw/paint the contents of my bag, which lead nicely into the following week's main assignment... a book cover of a famous woman and what she might have in her bag?

My nominated person was Tina Fey. 

Everyone was allocated a particular woman for their birthday month. 

There were some great inspirational, powerful woman amongst the twelve options.

I knew a little about Tina beforehand, but I had to do some research to ensure I captured her personality. I can't believe I had such a good time doing research. 

Tina Fey is a very talented comic along with all her other attributes.

Here's my mock up of my completed piece.

I learnt so much whilst completing this assignment.

For a start I've never really done a portrait! 

Anyway, after much huffing and puffing plus shouting for help with Photoshop, I finally managed to enter it into the MATS (Make Art That Sells) Gallery for the month of January!

Apologies if you've already seen this painting in my Instagram feed or on Facebook, but I know there are many who don't have access to those online links and ask that I post here too.

I also decided to paint a personal birthday card this week for a family member.

I had approximately 30 minutes from start to finish in order for it to get into the post... if I wanted it to arrive on time.

Yes, I know... always last minute with me, but this time it worked out perfectly.

I was really pleased with the outcome and the recipient initially didn't realise it was hand painted!

How's that for a compliment?

I obviously work better to a very strict timetable!

My daughter when visiting possibly noted that my art supply case was overflowing and couldn't close, so as part of my birthday present she bought me this super large bag!

It's 100% linen with this gorgeous design from Danica Studio

It's also lined and what do you know?... it still has some space even with all my brushes, pencils,

pens and bits! 

This can only mean one thing... I can buy more supplies... YAY!

I'm linking up to Paint Party Friday 

Click here if you'd like to join me. 

They would love you to visit and see all the amazing artwork.

Have fun everyone and thanks for visiting.

My Sunday Photo... Visiting Birds

With the current cold snap that's covering the UK at the moment, we've personally had quite a dry bright time over the last few weeks. 

Definitely a Scandinavian feel to our weather. 

Blue skies, not a cloud in the sky and lots of bright sunlight... even though I wouldn't have minded a little flurry of snow, as long as it would disappear quickly. 

It seems to have missed our part of Scotland.

So it is a tough time for our little wild birds... in fact, it's been tough for all our wildlife over this winter.

My bird feeders are always very popular, but when a - 3 degrees Celsius arrives, even in daylight, then it can be a battle ground out there. Every little beak needs it's fill before nightfall.

This particular feeder is hanging right next to my kitchen window.

I stock it with suet logs and it's very popular...even when I'm working in the kitchen.

Obviously, hunger overtakes the nerves and they feed right before my eyes.

There's obviously been no time for a pedicure lately!

Sometimes it can be tricky getting the last bite.

How these little cuties manage on those tiny wee legs is beyond me.

Also to keep warm with no leg warmers! 

We also had another visitor yesterday, who hasn't actually be brave enough to step over into the garden before. 

Hunger has brought him to us.

 Mr Pheasant...isn't he majestic! 

He actually hung around for quite some time.

I think he approved of our menu.

And finally, as I've mentioned before that our Goldfinch population has had a birdie boom since we returned to this house and started feeding them.

I have counted over 40 in one flock all at once...honest!

And that was from just one feeder!

Here's a little proof of just some of the goldfinches visiting the bird feeder in the fir tree.

You can almost seed the seed decrease as you watch them.

So I think it's probably time for me to get outside and replenish the feeders by now.

It has to be done every day! 

I am a little late posting today, but I'm going to link up with My Sunday Photo

Thanks for stopping by and I hope to see you again soon.

Have a great Sunday everyone

Blue Tit... PPF & Sunday Sketches

Yay, it's the weekend once again. 

One more week nearer to Spring, although when I look out of the window today, I can see lot's of spring-like images out there. 

After completing a successful RSPB Garden Bird Count last weekend, I decided that I'd add another bird to my current trend of painting the visiting birds in my garden.
(I'm thinking of painting a collection of six birds, so just let me know if there's any particular bird that you think should make the six)

I decided that I'd paint one of the UK's most popular birds... 'The Blue Tit'

Here's are a few photo's of the process

We have an amazing amount of these little cute birds visiting us. 

We've also recently stuck a feeder onto our kitchen window and they are now coming to take the peanuts from it. 

Oblivious to us standing at the kitchen sink!
Not that I want to spend much time in the kitchen sink.

I'll try and get a photo at some stage.

With thick fog outside there was nothing for it, but to enjoy finishing my painting yesterday.

Here's the top 10 results of my own personal count thanks to the RSPB's feedback.

I was pleased because I actually counted 15 different species in that one hour of the count.

Oh yes, and if you would like to see my finish painting of the Firecrest from last week... click here

Okay the sun is shining this morning so I'm off to enjoy the outdoors. 

I'm linking up with Paint Party Friday
and Alexandra's Sunday Sketches

If you'd like to see some amazing artists from around the world, why not click on the above and enjoy some fantastic art and inspiration.

Have a wonderful weekend whatever you get up to.

Thanks for visiting.

Bye for now

My Sunday Photo... Tits

I don't really want to dwell on the horrendous wet, cold and even foggy weather that we've been experiencing lately...  as the sun finally appeared for the last hour of the day, I'm just grateful that it remembered us at all.

We have had several of our bird boxes occupied which has been wonderful to see.

The parents have been so busy and incredibly attentive... a perfect tag team as they take it in turns to feed their young. 

But as the weather closed in I must confess I did worry if they would survive.

I placed suet balls, sunflower seeds (with their husks removed for ease) and meal worms in an attempt to help keep both the parent birds energised and hopefully the baby birds fed. 

There certainly wasn't any insects or caterpillars out in that torrential rain.

I'm hoping to see lots of babies emerge in the coming week, as the weather forecast says we will reach dizzy heights of 14 degrees! 

Woohoo... bring it on I say.

Gone are the days when I'd long for 26/28 degrees... I'm happy to get any double digits now!

Here's a little chap... the Coal Tit that came on the feeder just outside my kitchen window, 

 The Blue Tit has definitely got a brood in a nest box and he (or she) is part of the awesome tag team that I mentioned.

 Here's a shot of the little chap carrying out his parental duties with such tenacity and vigour. 

I also saw one of the woodpeckers that I featured last Sunday. 

It was feeding it's young on a nearby tree. 

The baby woodpecker is quite bigger than the parent bird, but maybe it's not surprising with all of the peanuts it was eating!

So that's what's happening around my neck of the woods as it were.,. I hope you liked seeing my little visitors. As usual I'm linking up with  'My Sunday Photo' with Photoalife, Wordless (on Tuesday at image-in-ing) and Mersad over at Through my lens,

Have a wonderful weekend wherever you are. 

I hope the sun shines for you.

Have fun and I hope to see you again soon.

My Sunday Photo... Wild Birds

I'm a complete and utter addict when it comes to wild birds visiting my garden. 

I just can't get enough.

I have three feeding stations dotted around my house and I currently buy 35 kilo's of seed ever few weeks! 

It costs a fortune, but I think it's worth it.

 When we first arrived back to this house from our expat travels, I was really worried because I hardly ever saw a wild bird in the garden. 

But as they say "if you build it... they will come" and they certainly did. 

As a rough guide at the moment I have five doves visiting every day 

(I have no idea who they belong to... there were seven, but I prefer not to think about where the other two have gone) four Great Spotted Woodpeckers, four Robins, a flock of somewhere between 20 and 30 Goldfinches, a few Green finches and possibly a dozen or so Chaffinches, masses of Blue Tits, Great Tits, Coal Tits and at least 15 Wood Pigeons. 

Oh and I mustn't forget the two crazy Crows that had taken a complete obsession to my garden mirror. I decided to take the mirror away thinking I was doing the best for them, but now they are attacking the patio windows to my dining room. 

I first thought someone was knocking at the door... and couldn't work it out what was going on. 

I'll try to get a photo of them because it really is quite a sight... as is my paving now with poop pebble dashing! 

They've even moved plant pots to get nearer! 

This week I've included two photos.

It's been the RSPB's National Nest Box week, 

So I thought I'd include the photo below. 

It's another favourite of mine.

He seems to like the new place... let's hope the Misses does too!

As usual I'm linking up with My Sunday Photo
and Through my lens 

Why not nip across and see lots more photos by clicking on the links above. 

Have a wonderful weekend everyone and I hope to see you again soon

Hardly Wordless Wednesday more Waffling Wednesday!

I was thinking that today's post could be a 'Wordless Wednesday' but as usual I've got far too much to say. 

(Nothing new there my hubby would say!) 

There's far too much milling around my head and it's all desperate to come out! 

So I think perhaps I should call this post 'Waffling Wednesday' instead?

I apologise in advance if I take you all over the place and it is difficult to follow...but that's just the way my mind is working today. I've no idea what I'm going to write about at this stage or where it will lead...so strap yourself in...it could be a bumpy ride!

Firstly, it appears that it's October already according to the calender and autumn is upon us (whether we like it or not) 

Personally I love to see the seasonal changes. It's something I really missed whilst living in the Middle East, so I make sure that I stop to appreciate the changes as they occur. 

We seem to be in a transitional period at the moment...it's not too cold but then it's not warm either. It can take quite some time first thing in the morning to decide how many layers and what thicknesses will be needed...starting off rather chilly but later warming up when the weak sun peeks out through the grey blanket. 

Here's my entry into this months photography of the view at the rear of our property...

As you can see there's a golden glow to the tree on the left plus it holds a new bird feeder. It took nearly a whole week for the word to spread that there was a new feeder just around the corner. I think the few chaffinches that have found it and are visiting are keeping it very quiet and to themselves for now. 

The grasses near to the boundary have dried out now and their seeds scattered by the brisk breeze. The sun was very shy yesterday but it did appear sporadically during the day but I missed it! 

The hills in the far distance can hardly be seen with the low cloud. 

I'm happy to report that there's more blue sky peeping today, but the breeze has developed into very emthusiastic chilly gusts!

It's difficult to say whether the crows are either having fun or battling trying to fly around the fields. 

But here's a view from a little further back where hopefully my veg plot might be one day...I can hope!

Tell me, do you think this Virginia Creeper is showing off? 

It's certainly got into the autumn show in a big way!

I remember actually planting this plant years ago and as you can imagine I was surprised when I returned to see this stunning sight! 

I've just got to make sure it doesn't run riot now...but with that colour I can't see that as too much of a problem. 

Well for now anyway. 

Oh I must tell you about yesterday...I was a hero and saved a life!

I know that's quite a statement but its true.

I was filling the bird feeders when I heard a strange noise.

When I investigated I saw an incredible sight...there down in a drain was a tiny blue tit!

He'd fallen down the drainpipe! 

How I don't know, but there he was looking forlornly at me...so Neesie to the rescue. 

First grabbing my camera of course, but I was aware that whilst I was photographing, it could well die or drown...so please forgive the quality of the picture! 

I had to be brave because surprisingly I'm not too good at putting my hand down a drain or getting hold of a flapping bird! 

Anyway donning my gardening gloves, I removed the drain cover and gently scooped the poor wee thing up. As it got to the top of the drain...off it flew but not before he bid me a chirpy 'thank you'. 

Honestly, it sounded just like he said thank you!  

And here he is...

Keeping with little critters (see I'm trying desperately not to flit too much) we tested McMuffy's intelligence after watching a doggy programme on the TV, that showed how you can do this. For anyone wanting to try this out here's the process...

When your dog is relaxed but obviously not asleep, take a towel and gently place it over its head and see how long it takes to work it out how to get out! 

I'm pleased to report McMuffy did exactly as the TV's sheepdog...using the backing out technique and completed within seconds! 

So it appears she's as clever as a Collie! Yay!

Hmm...so all those times we've thought she was being a dumb blond...she was in fact working the system! 

Minx ^..^ 

Having said all of the above she is definitely having a problem in this house. 

It's not foxes or buzzards as we first feared but bleeps! 

Yes, I did say bleeps! 

Basically, it appears that everything in this kitchen area bleeps, which sends her scurrying upstairs. I only have to walk towards the cooker now and she's off! I have to admit it is rather annoying that everytime I press anything on the cooker a high pitch noise pierces the air. It's obviously worse for a dog's sensitive ears by McMuffy's reaction.

But it's not just the cooker...there's the washing machine, microwave, tumble dryer and fridge/freezer. Plus the car can be just the same. When did it happen that we have to have a bleep to tell us what's happening or when we're either too near, too hot or open? 

The fridge sound makes me want to run from the room too because it's so insistent.

'SHUT MY DOOR'!

Our last fridge/freezer back in Melbourne used to give a gentle melodious chime that told you that the door had been left open or you were taking too long to decide what to take out. No problem there...I'd shut it asap but this model...oh my word...it's impatient to say the least! 

There's help on hand though because once the Aga is serviced we will be cooking on gas as they say and as far as I remember it doesn't bleep. 

So at least thankfully that'll silence some of the bleeps. 

Back 'atcha baby....I'll have to last laugh!

I can't wait to feel its warmth as an Aga can be the heart of the home.

Everyone gravitates to it. 

There's bound to be lots of posts regarding this beauty!

Moving on again...(are you still with me...?) I thought I'd show you another of my wonderful presents that fantastic friends bought for us when we left Melbourne. The Monet apron got such a great reaction from everyone so I thought you'd like to see this...

It's a cushion with a street map of the area we used to live in. 

I thought it was such a thoughtful present because now we have a constant reminder of all the area around our old home. Isn't that fantastic? 

I did promise that once I'd left the area, I'd write a blog on the village and I still intend to...I'm just not sure when. Soon hopefully because I've taken so long that they've all probably forgotten me by now! 

I also plan to show you much more about this area and all that it offers.

I've been out snapping photos so don't worry it's not all about birds, blonds, gardening and weather. 

Here's just a snippet...

His Majesty's Theatre in Aberdeen is the largest theatre in north-east Scotland, seating more than 1,400. The theatre is sited on Rosemount Viaduct, opposite the city's Union Terrace Gardens. It was designed by Frank Matcham and opened in 1906.

I'll be writing about His Majesty's Theatre and possibly taking you inside at some stage. Note that beautiful blue sky! 

Phew...well I feel a little better now that I've nattered for a while with you...but really I must get on...

Don't worry I'll be back soon 

In the meantime enjoy your week whatever you get up to...have fun! 

Toodleloo for now