SEPTEMBER IS BREATHING DOWN HARD . . .

Fall is already in the air here.  The flowers have lost their 'perkiness' and the nights are just a bit cooler.  Now when I take my dog out for his last evening jaunt it is no longer light out (so the 'jaunt' is MUCH shorter!)  I'll be very happy when we are able, once again, to just open the door to our home and I can say 'go potty' and know he'll take care of business.  :)  Of course, the way the progress on the house building is going who knows when that might be!  If you aren't up to date on all the shenanigans at Camp Dunmovin just click  HERE  and you can get yourself up to date.  We keep hearing things like 'I'm so sorry you are going through all that with your house, but . . . it really is funny!"  :/ 

I did this little cartoon for my monthly Newsletter which just went out.  It's how I'm feeling! (The Crazy part!)

(If you are interested in reading the Newsletter you can Click HERE.  There is a short humorous story that goes with all this.  The link will take you right to it.)

Because we are in the midst of building (well, . . . on good days) I haven't spent as much time in the Studio as I would like so no big projects have been completed.   I did manage to get two new Necklaces done which are shown below:

   

SAND WHISPER                                               TRIBAL MIST

You can find more information about both of these pieces by Clicking  Here

This is a little fun 4 x 4" that I did.  It's called 'Moon over Caponata' because there is a great Eggplant Appetizer called Caponata.  Progresso used to make it years ago but I haven't seen it in the stores in ages.  I usually now make my own.  I thought I would include a Recipe just in case any of you are interested in trying it.  If you like Eggplant this is really very good.  It can be served either hot or cold ~ I usually serve it cold. :)

   

MOON OVER CAPONATA

Caponata Recipe

• 6 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large eggplant, unpeeled, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 medium onion, cubed
• 4 large garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 ~ 14.5 -ounce can diced tomatoes in juice with Italian seasoning
• 3 tblsp red wine vinegar
• 2 tblsp drained capers
• 1 tblsp dried basil
•  Dash Lemon Pepper

Heat oil in large pot over medium heat. Add eggplant, onion, and garlic cloves. Sauté until eggplant is soft and turning brown, (about 15 minutes). Add diced tomatoes with juice, red wine vinegar and drained capers. Cover and simmer until eggplant and onion are very tender, stirring occasionally (about 12 minutes). Season Caponata to taste with salt and pepper, dash of Lemon pepper.  Mix in Basil. Transfer Caponata to bowl. Serve either warm, at room temperature, or cold. Caponata can be made 1 ~2 days ahead. Cover and chill.  Serve with toasted sliced baguette.

LOVERS AT NIGHT

6 X 6 Acrylic on Wood Panel.  Comes Framed.  For more information Please Click HERE

Don't be afraid to sit at the front row of your life . . .

                                                                                  ~  Unknown

til next time . . .

Charleen

A LITTLE OF THIS. A LITTLE OF THAT . . .

And, if you receive my Newsletter you know that's exactly what I accomplished this last month. A 'little'  of this and a 'little' of that.  Which, when all is said and done, seems to equal not much of anything!

A friend and I were talking about my Mom recently, and I mentioned how she, more than once, said to me "Well, one thing is for sure, you do not live a boring life."  I do get 'bored' at times, but she was definitely correct.  My life itself is not boring.  There is a difference . . . and when I do get bored, I know it is most usually my own fault and I work to change that.

With us, there always seems to be something going on.  Right now we have our new home which is 'somewhat' in process of being built (if your're curious you can Click HERE and go to my Camp Dunmovin' Blog).  July was a month of an inordinate amount of company for two people who don't even have a home at the moment to entertain in.  But, quite honestly, everyone made do with what was available and we had a great month and enjoyed all of our guests.  It was fun.  Chaotic, but fun.

On the other hand not much work got done so I don't have a lot to show you this time.  I did get this piece done so I would have something to include in my July Newsletter so some of you may have seen this already.  I've had a really nice response to it which made me feel very good.  It is Acrylic on a textured wood panel.

AUTUMN HAS ITS OWN CONVERSATION

9 x 12 Acrylic on wood

For more information on this Piece Please Click HERE

Different ages bring different challenges for all of us.  I remember once a Doctor saying to me that my sons behavior was 'age appropriate'.  In other words, 'You are not the only one facing these situations. Learn to deal with it'. : /  Well, I have an age appropriate condition with my left hand (ok. maybe a few other irks are thrown in there too but I am not going to bore you with those) which, at some point in the not too distant future, is probably going to limit my ability to work on my Collages (and do my jewelry).  With each I need to use both hands and the mobility in my left hand is flaking out on me.  So. . .  I have to learn to 'deal with it'.  Since I am right handed I can still paint :)  so I have been trying to get myself  back in that groove so to speak.  Just working on what path/style I want to follow.  I've worked with mixed media for so long that it takes a whole different mindset (for me) to think outside my box of little cut pieces of paper.  So . . . all encouragement is encouraged.  :)  And, of course, for an Artist, :) I take constructive criticism pretty well (except for from the usual ~ hubby, friends, family, strangers . . .)  Just kidding!  So, if you see something you like, or not, Please let me know.  You never know where that might lead me.

Here are a couple of pieces that recently sold up at Entree Gallery. . .

             

"I heard she is actually is a Natural Redhead"             "Say . . . who's the little guy?"

and one waiting for a home . . 

Beneath the Old Oak Tree

I do like Trees. :)

A little different style between the top painting and these others.  Thoughts?

“Think left and think right

And think low and think high.

Oh, the thinks you can think up

If only you try!”

                                     ~ Dr. Seuss

til next time,

Charleen

To read my July Newsletter Please Click HERE

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