Happy Birthdays

Today is my sister Kris' birthday, who is way over in Wisconsin where I grew up. It is also my dear friend Trish Grantham's birthday! She and I are the same age. It has been great having a friend that not only is a full-time artist like myself, but also loves the same things I do, including our food and drink! Except she doesn't enjoy live concerts and shows... I have to work on that! Here are some pics, one of the birthday girl herself, and others of her amazing yard and little vignettes in her home, taken at the bbq she hosted on the 4th. It is probably the most charming and welcoming home you would ever step foot into. And I could learn a thing or two about keeping my house clean from her.

Happy Birthday Trish and Kris!

Pollen, my Nemesis

Bad allergy day today... Maybe it had something to do with the fact that I was out at 7am pruning all the plants and deadheading flowers? The backyard is so inviting but it's a no go zone for me most of the time. Lisa DeJohn told me that "Willamette Valley", where I live, means "valley of sickness". I Googled it. She's right!! But no matter how much I sneeze and get forehead-boring migraines, I'll never leave.

My Japanese yellow plum has 5 fruits on it this year! I might be able to make a small danish pastry... if the birds don't get them first. The Fuyu Persimmon tree out front had 3 fruits last year, and now I see over 30 starts. It's going to be a gorgeous tree once autumn arrives. The Japanese varieties do so well here, which makes me happy.

It Has Arrived

I am speechless... I ordered the "Limited Edition #3: Charley Harper - An Illustrated Life" by Todd Oldham from AMMO Books a while back, and it has finally arrived. I have to say, this is such a beautiful book, such gorgeous presentation and design, I almost started to cry as I turned each page. I was grinning ear to ear with every new image. And I finally have a Charley Harper print! Have to get this one framed. Check out the amazing box it came in... Makes me want to play with Sharpies. I will be pouring over this book for hours and hours upon end.

Charley Harper recently passed away, and Todd Oldham should feel honored for giving Mr. Harper this beautiful honor and tribute to his life before his passing.