Practice Sketchbook Dillman's Resort

First pages in my sketchbook, rather haphazard getting back into drawing after long stint, but so much to see up at Dillman's Bay Resort. A little bit of unexpected heaven... gratitude to cousin Laura for inviting me to tag along and to my employers who covered my absences for a week of dreams.

Happy Plant at Work

My sister gave me this plant when she was working with local greenhouse, lacking a third stalk it was considered unsaleable? It's ten feet tall and has been keeping my desk oxygenated. Last spring it had bloomed up top but this year the lower palm allowed me a photo op.

Down to the River

Slanked down to the river at lunchtime. There were scads of people today. Fishermen and walkers and playground attendees. Have to take advantage of the beautiful weather. The river is very high leaving very little shoreline left to walk. Stopped down by the dam to listen and feel the surge of the water, and oh yep, smell it too. This trip I was just taking photos, although I snagged a tennis ball to please the pups again. Poked that there snapper with a stick, not enough to upset him, just enough to see if he was alive. He was really well hidden among the dried grasses and leaves. If he was just a lifeless shell, he would have had to gone home with me. I felt fortunate that I hadn't just walked by.

Bike Jaunt

Skipped out on a meeting to take advantage of the beautiful evening. 12 mile round trip. Half way is the small town of Plattville. Story was told that Bonnie and Clyde carried weapons that had been registered to an an armory here. Who actually robbed the armory is not known. Not sure any landmarks left of the building either... The little town does have a village hall and a closed school, maybe I'll be up to a longer ride soon. Stopped at the little marsh by the side of the road to meditate with the shrill of new frogs. Spied a couple ducks too.

Nearly Spring!

Took the bicycle out today with the gorgeous weather! Cattle were content! Creeks flowing on! Then there's my laundry hanging out on the line. Couldn't ask for a more beautiful day!

Yorkville Library Exhibit

http://yorkville.patch.com/articles/library-exhibit-features-work-of-kendall-arts-guild#photo-9010746

Working on uploading article... but here's the link.

The work of six Kendall Arts Guild members is now on display at the Yorkville Public Library.

The participating artists are Amanda Iwanski, Merrie Woodward, Jim Rendant, Walter Lesus, Doris Lein, and Joan McEachern.

“We really enjoy hosting the Kendall Arts Guild as they bring a nice mixture of different media and techniques,” library employee Sharyl Iwanski said. “This show is a good example.”

The artists' work is a mix that includes fabric art, photography, acrylic on canvas and more, Iwanski said.

The exhibit is especially near and dear to her since her daughter has art work on display.

Amanda Iwanski said she began dabbling in the arts about five years ago.

“I started creating in my high school art classes,” she said.

She tends to focus on pet portraits.

“I enjoy painting animals,” she said.

Her creations can be found on her website.

The artists’ work will be on display at the library through Tuesday, Feb. 28.

Artist display exhibits usually rotates on a six to weight week schedule.
Related Topics: Art, Exhibit, Kendall Arts Guild, and Yorkville Public Library

Bon Ami

Yes, I've been a stranger to my own blog. Seems the stuff of my life the past ten months may have been interesting reading, but extremely difficult for me to digest. Last week I received an email stating I won a years supply cleaning products and I hoped hoped hoped it was real. Today I came home and found 3 heavy cases on my porch. The cleanser I go out of my way to buy...Bon Ami! Case of powder cleanser, two cases liquid cleanser, two case all purpose cleanser, two cases of dish soap, and a block of polish...a tote, an apron and a tee that I will proudly wear... Bon Ami is the GREATEST! Not to mention recyclable packaging, environmentally conscience products I can use in good faith. WOW! It's a beautiful day.