Now where was I?

Oops. 'Got busy decorating for the holidays, hand making gifts, and enjoying my break from classes, and lost track of the time.

Did you know that you can't paint over oils with acrylic? Ask me how I know.

Did you know that stencils aren't as easy to use as they seem like they should be? Especially when you're using them on a curved surface?

Remember all those gourds I grew back in 2010?   

This is what they looked like that fall after harvest: 

And here's an example of what they look like now (I still have work to do on the ones that are hanging up--especially the one on the end with the swirling pattern--I call that one the Nebula Gourd--you had to see it naked to understand that reference). By the way, I gave up on the stencils. Free handing it was a lot easier.  If Grandma Moses can do it, I can.

I am obviously a much better gardener than I am an artist. Why oh why does this always seem like a good idea in mid-July? I'm no artist. Heck, I barely count as crafty. I haven't even started pouring candles yet. And, of course, I thought it would be cool to try something new there too. Back in July. When my confidence was high and Christmas was months away. I guess I thought I would suddenly become adept with a paint brush and I probably imagined that teaching myself how to do something on the fly would be fun. (Someone point me toward this blog entry, next year, will you?)

Oh--and just in case you wanted to see my Christmas tree. And sixteen year old  Joseph--who is obviously in fine form.  

I'll be back after some of the craziness fades. I've got some writing to do over this break--some editing (I haven't forgotten my promise to send you the short story) and other bits and pieces to report. I hope all is well with you and yours, dear friends. Merry Christmas and God Bless.