Thursday, March 16, 2017

The cold led the way..to quite a storm..





Porch Snow.


Concentrated♥




..To probably the most accumulation of snow in one shot..than we have had all winter..schools closed..pile ups..cars buried..pretty..and yet not pretty.I have a warm house..light..things to do..food to eat.
Not so for everyone:(

Spring will come..it always does..it's a one true thing.

I baked cookies for all 4 boys and must admit these are addictive..they are from here..and her recipes.."rock" lol.

Anyways..baked the cookies..organized cupboards in the kitchen..
Noah had a ped day the day after his return from Disney and came to spend it w/ us..we hula hooped..(kids LOVE it) I do too..if you get one get the Wave one..the others are too light I find.This one seems to have water in it..it may take you a few tries..but you WILL get it:)
You cannot ..not laugh watching the kids ..and they laugh too..and once they get it..be prepared to count to..500 then 800 then at 1500 I said ok..you can go to 1500 each ok?(I am the counter)..

He painted in my craft room..had lunch..he will eat anything and be appreciative..and watched Back To The Future..

It was too cold to go out for Jacques and I so it was an indoor day.

We also..moved the printer from a desk in my craft room..so that I can have another area to paint on since the card table has chains and hanging lights under for the debut of my seeds.

Painted..  read..the last nesting days I guess..April should take care of winter~
No one paints Macarons and Paris Patisseries etc..like Carol..
seeing her art is inspiring ..so much so that you want to try..far cry..but fun to try..
one day I Googled macarons..and it helped to paint some..from real life..since I have made them..I can feel the shape..and seeing real photographs of different ones on Google Images..it helps..
I am better (I use this term loosely)..at painting something I see FLAT..3D is ..I don't know ..but it seems impossible to me..must get back to Drawing w/ the right side of the brain and that frame thing..:)
So here are my takes..the one top right is a blank watercolor postcard I bought at Sennnelier while with my friend..so I painted it for her to snail mail her..added some favorite stamps..
the bottom left was my first try..and the bottom right.. 3rd try ..incorporating some things learned from my Creative Girl book by Danielle Donaldson:)
I still LOVE that book.
I recently received..a Joyce Hick's book..it's out of my comfort zone..but I did the first exercise yesterday..it's fun to learn..it's not easy at all.
I loved this from Mary Oliver's book:)

"The most regretful people on earth are those who felt the call to creative work who felt their own creative power restive and uprising,and gave to it neither power nor time."

I am not convinced they are the most regretful..but..
I think it feels good reading this no matter how awkward we can be in what we attempt..it's like being a child..and playing..and we stop all that way too soon.

My apologies to my friends on IG..you are seeing two of these pics for the second time.

Have a nice weekend~


My favorite show...watched the finale last night..if you haven't watched it..try to get it..this wasthe first season.


Remember my love for Parenthood? This is my new love.

69 comments:

  1. Good Cold Morning! I adore that photo of the colorful magazine on your white chairs. Just fabulous composition. And your macarons are delightful. I was just thinking about painting some Paris -- I'm getting itchy to do that again. I love Carol's paintings. I need to go through all my Paris drawings and see if I can't do as you did and draw a little inspiration.

    I'm so glad your grand loves to paint in your room. I hope someday ours will too. And the cookies sound so good. I think I'm going to make soda bread today for St. Paddy's day. It'll be nice to heat the house with such a sweet smell!

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    1. You have been sooo busy ..you will again have time to sit and paint..seems to go in spurts our time do you find?
      The boys do like sitting quite once in a while and crafting..but they are much more sporty boys:)
      That Joyce Hick's book reiterates what Shari Blaukopf recommends on her Craftsy videos..always have a sketchbook,and pencil..make a sketch w... values..and keep a camera..with you..so I am going to try:)

      Cameras..that I would carry in my car at all times..would freeze..:( Or the batteries would be dead..I need to carry an extra:)
      Have a great day Nana.

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  2. Monique, that is my sister's favorite show too. Your pictures are precious and have a happy spirit, like you. I wondered if you were in the path of that storm. It did sound like a bad one. They say when you start out painting etc. not to rely on photographs. I'm not sure that is true, but I can see why, sometimes. Have a great weekend and I hope the snow melts and you can get outside and start the garden.

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    1. I know why:) Well no I don't..but Anne-Laure Jacquart..a painter I admire..also a very talented photographer..said that a photo..is something that is already interpreted..and that one must learn to interpret things on their own..such as 3 D..like people..landscapes..nothing is flat ..a photo is..have to learn that..I found an artist I think you would appreciate also..Angela Morgan..such energy in her colors and forms:)

      Love the show..♥
      Jacques tears up..that says it all..but not always out of sadness..out of feel good.

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    2. Glad to know the reason to paint from life. When you are self taught, you pick up too many bad habits instead of the right way. I agree.

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    3. Many of the artists I love are self-taught though..do you agree?


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  3. So much snow! It's beautiful yet it can cause great trouble!
    Lovely pictures, dear Nana.
    xoxo

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  4. What a joy to have you for a Nana...being at your house must be a dream come true for those delicious boys!
    I love This is Us too and I have you to thank for it...I never would have watched had you not suggested it!
    Bisous xoxo

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  5. Now that is a lot of snow! Those cookies look yummy.

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    1. I am glad you did not get all this w/ your plans..
      when we built here ..in April no snow..everything went quite smoothly..a few hiccups..always a few:)

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  6. It seems the eastern areas closer to the Atlantic really got the brunt of Storm Stella. What a doozie she was! I think we got the most in one storm that we had all season also but only 8-12 inches in our area no school closings but a friend who had a trip planned had her flight cancelled - she was flying east, of course. I'll bet John has used the snow blower less than 10 times this winter. I love the shot of that pretty spring cover of Country Living sitting in the snow ♥ Noah looks so engrossed in painting. A budding artist, perhaps? I don't mind seeing your IG painting again :) The cookies look wonderful!! I will travel to the recipe! Haven't seen "This is Us" but have heard it is very good.

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    1. Oh I want you to watch that show..it's so you..you would love it and John also.I am like 99.9 % sure:)

      We got a lot..more than 12 inches..I heard there is going to be a collective lawsuit over the main artery hat had the pile up..you would have never heard of such a thing..just a few years ago..people never talked of recourses..times they are a changing.
      2 people died..buried in their cars..in a QC area:(
      Very sad..it really was bad..
      Went for a walk with Jacques this aft..just beauty after the storm..white ..pristine..quiet..

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  7. Monique, Noah is beautiful....and I will try the cookies for my grandkids too! Happy weekend~

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    1. :) I am sure you can keep the batter frozen too:)

      All 4 boys said..a 10 nana..me and my rating system;)
      You too..have a great weekend:)

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  8. Monique , what lovely are always yours pictures and yours paintings : I love Them

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  9. How could we ever tire of seeing your photos....twice is not too much! I am guilty of the same.
    Vivian sleeping...nana pooped! Very busy little gal...
    I looked up the cookie recipe...do they have to be prepared in a stand mixer? I don't own one!
    Your paintings are always a delight...do we get to see what young Noah painted?
    The snow was beautiful...2 very big accidents...the other outside of Ottawa...glad we were home.
    Weather is warming up...now the big melt...
    Enjoy your weekend my friend...
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

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    1. I should have added his finished work of art..I will today.I let him use my sparkle paint..it's a centipede:)
      I bet you could use a reg. mixer..it's butter sugars..flour etc..then just fold in the chips..do u have the caramel flavor? Not necessary but the 2 drops added a nice kick..and you know..you could easily freeze the batter I think..even in balls:)

      and then Miss V..would always have some..

      Oli really liked those last oatmeal peanut butter ones..ordinary mixer..
      They are busy:) I know..you are wonderful grandparents.I know i's a pleasure for you..but you are.

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    2. Thanks for the info re the cookies.
      I have maple flavour....would that work?
      Can't wait to see the centipede! 🐛
      We will drive Vivian home this afternoon...her Mom is under the weather...but, so is Papa! He is on antibiotics...😕
      Enjoy your weekend...☘🎩💚

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    3. Oh poor you guys..you don't even need the flavor :) How can she resist fresh soft choco chips..I know we should be feeding them Kale and sprouts but my daughters let them eat cookies when they come:) I want them to keep wanting to come lol;)
      Take care over there!

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    4. Thanks!
      You don't need cookies to get them to want to come💛

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  10. I love "This Is Us" and your beautiful posts!!

    Best,
    Bonnie

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    1. Bonnie..isn't it just great? Great:) Every character has such dear qualities..William..was so inspiring and Randall turned out to be the best son ever.Now Jack..wow..apparently many husbands are feeling less than par..that wink at the end..♥
      Thank you Bonnie:)

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  11. I echo Bonnie, I love this is us and YOU! All of your photos are so beautiful Monique and I love when you share the special times you get to spend with your grandbabies. I can only wish, but hopefully one day. I wish I had as much confidence in my art as you have in yours. I have been disappointed too many times by people that know better who knock my faith in my own abilities. That licensing agent for one. I have two more years under contract and I can't wait to be rid. I love your quote from Mary Oliver's book. It is so true. I do not play enough. I need to play more. Loving the look of your newest book on the side bar. I am off to check that out. Winter's last hurrah eh. You have to love it. Love and hugs, to both you and J. xoxo

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    1. PS - Did you see Frankie and Gracie, new season today! xo

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    2. Thanks for the reminder of F and G! I will definitely look into it..so glad..but not surprised you love This Is Us♥I like that quote because..it's for everyone..everyone..that thinks..I would love to pant but can't draw a staright line..lol it's better if you can't:)
      I am not fooling myself..I do this because I love doing it..it is so good for my spirit..and my trials are piling up..
      That licensing agent..I have wanted to write to her for a long time:(

      I know how you feel about the Littles..it was a stroke of luck..that we eneded up all living close..that doesn't happen a lot..I find in my little town it does seem to happen ..more than where we lived before..
      You have less time to play.I do nothing for others..you do for everyone..and for years you worked at The Manor.For the Manoress w/out Manners:(

      You're a sweetie Marie..no doubt about that..and yes if someone should be confident in her art..c'est toi.

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  12. It looks like you kept yourself very busy during the snow. A hula hoop. That was always a spring tradition if I remember right. We got home from our cruise just in time to witness the storm. One day toes in the sand the next, snow all around, 18". Too much snow, I want to see all my hellebores in bloom. They were doing that already. They are pretty hardy so we will see how they fair. It is nice to see your artistic genes passing on to the next generation. I have not got my seeds started yet, the room is unheated so I'm not sure they will do much yet. Maybe next week. Happy St. Patrick's day. Off to make. My Irish soda bread. Enjoy your weekend.

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    1. Yes my Irish friend Happy St Patrick's Day!
      I would love to hear about your cruise..They are quite hardy hellebores..I remember reading that..but maybe the leaves w// be more brwon? Hope my babies are all snuggled and ready for the real world..:)
      The Days of Yore tomatoes have sprouted..plastic is off..have no idea where I will put these..I planted so much garlic last yr..I may open a roadside stand;)
      Welcome back!

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  13. I have enjoyed This is Us, as well, and am already looking forward to next season. We didn't get much snow this winter, but the rain has been endless, over twice the annual average. It really got to me and can understand the problem some have with seasonal affect disorder. I'm so eager for spring and some dry days. My grands love snow days (we don't get many) and homemade cookies are a necessity.

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    1. :) I thought you would enjoy it as you had liked Parenthood like I did:) Enjoy Spring! It will be there before here:)

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  14. So glad that you had a wonderful day with your grandson. Those cookies sure looked good and I am sure they tasted just as good.

    So sorry that your having such cold snowy days. but Spring is almost here.

    Great post, Happy St Patrick's day and enjoy your weekend. Stay warm.

    Mary

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    1. Oh Happy one to you..I am remiss this year..no green..I am part Irish..my grandfather..

      Hope you are having a great day Mary:)

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  15. I wondered if you had a lot of snow this time around. I hope it melts quickly and completely, very soon. It has been cold here as well, with a little snow. Your grandson is adorable and he has beautiful hair. Why is it the guys always get the beautiful hair? The cookies look and sound wonderful - I could eat a couple right now :) Painting macarons sounds like a fun thing to do. Your's are lovely! Have a great weekend Monique.

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    1. Tons! It's very cold..so no thaw yet..but I am good with that.I like winter..I was not always like this..yikes when I worked?Ugh..and much younger ..in my twenties..I wanted to win a green card lol..to live w/ palm trees..
      we change..
      You too have a great weekend!

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  16. I know you'll laugh yourself silly over this, but.....it's been unusually cold here for the past two days. Amazing for this time of year.

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    1. We read! Jacques has something on his homescreen for there:)
      Take out your boots LOL:)

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  17. At least everyone is busy with all of that cold weather. I almost feel guilty for sitting out in the sunshine here. Beautiful photos as usual and the cookies look quite tasty. Noah is such a handsome young man. Enjoy your weekend.

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    1. It's ok..I am so used to it!
      Noah's mom will love reading this♥Have a nice weekend Linda:)

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  18. Pretty macaron watercolors! Yours or the kiddos? Soon to be featured on Etsy!!

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    1. LOL mine..
      Never.I will never ever sell my humble little things..I worked for 30 yrs.I just want to play now..no selling .
      Now..it's time to just give for me.

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  19. You inspire me on how to keep busy during this crazy weather. We had 10 inches of snow Tuesday, but with the sun, it melted quite fast.

    Your watercolors are both beautiful and original. Macarons...heavenly.

    I had to stop watching This Is Us just before the last 2 episodes. Like many I had become so attached to the characters, I simply couldn't fathom their deaths. I am a terrible cryer, to the point of hiccups and a headache. Ha! I'm a wimp!!

    Stay warm, my friend!

    Jane x

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  20. Hi Jane..you can nnot watch the William episode then.I agree they become ..conversation :) We get involved because they are so terribly endearing:)I am not a pretty crier either..:)
    Have a great weekend.

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  21. I have to BRAG on your art!!! Just perfect! How many exclamation marks can I use?? :D
    I always enjoy your chatter and your topics are so me!!! That quote is a good one! I have just been
    researching hula hoops ...did not know it was a trend or that they have water ones. I'm excited!
    I'm thinking we can eat macarons one day and hula hoop the next. Mais, oui :D!

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  22. Oh! And the Maison des Macarons...mighty creative, there!
    I love the addition of the stamps. Hurry up and post some more art :D

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  23. I love your paintings and photos Monique! I am happy that you are able to nourish your creative powers and share it with us.. :) xo

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  24. Chocolate Chip cookies and milk take the chill away! I would love to have one in my hand! Hope you guys thaw out soon. (It was 91 here...a bit much for March.)

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  25. Love the sweet little maison des macarons…so cute. Hope the snow melts quickly so that you can sit on your porch and enjoy your wonderful gardens this spring.

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    1. I wonder if they will be amazing..they are getting so tired..need earth..compost..fertilizer..elbow grease..
      I am getting low on elbow grease:(
      Thanks Karen..I am sure you enjoyed your southern winter!

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  26. You even make a late winter storm look inviting! Noah is taking after Nana - so sweet. Haven't tried a Hula Hoop in years!

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    1. I hadn't either..they are fun:) I do 1500:)The boys got me counting so now I do what they did:)
      Have un bon dimanche:)

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  27. I know that we are talking of a different scale but spring has turned its back on us as well and it is now so cloudy and cold. Brrrr
    Amalia
    xo

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  28. Que de douceurs pour débuter le printemps.
    Bonne semaine Nana ~ 

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  29. Stella brought us 34" of snow....we were a direct hit. I did make Joe chocolate chip cookies though. His favorite. We did have fun on our day off from work. Everything was closed. I love "This Is Us" and your beautiful artwork! I must try a Hula Hoop again. It was one of my favorite things to do many years ago :-)

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    1. You got more than we did!
      Have a great week Debbie🌞🌷

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  30. Oh it stirs my heart to think of your grandsons being snow bound with you and Jaques, painting, cookies, love...Again, so delicate your watercolors, they speak to me of kindness...Pastels during a snowstorm, sigh....

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  31. Quelle superbe série, This is us ... J'ai regardé le dernier épisode avec un pincement au coeur ... en espérant que le temps passe très vite pour retrouver cette famille-là très vite aussi ! Deux nouvelles saisons ont été commandées, paraît-il ... Espérons qu'il y en aura plein d'autres. On s'attache très vite à ces gens-là !

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    1. Oh que oui:)

      Je suis contente que cette série ait été télédiffusée chez toi.. tout m'étonne..pourtant..:)
      J'espère que les choses se calment pour toi:)

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