Project Thursday

I have been painting up a storm to get ready for the Outdoor Art Show at the end of this month. Wow! That's next week!

I finally finished this larger painting that I started over a year ago.

And then I've started doing a bunch of little ones. I'm doing a dozen this size, each with a different animal. Some seem more 'done' than others, but here are the first eight.

I'm working on number 9 right now. Have you ever been working on something and you're happy how it's turning out and could even call it good, but you decide to tweak it just a little more...which screws everything up? Yeah, that's number 9.

Wild Wednesday - Roller Derby

I love firsts. Maybe it comes from my desire to experience all that life has to offer. Adventures. Even little ones, sitting safely on the sidelines, cheering on our friends who are truly living the adventure.

I experienced my first roller derby bout this weekend...from the sidelines. Even better, I got to watch my friend play her first bout. Go Mash Eddie!!!

Mash Eddie. Number 2'7"

 lookin' for the jammers

Here in Tahoe, we do it outside under the pine trees. The weather was absolutely perfect.

Don't cha just love all the colorful tights and stripey socks?! The girl in purple striped socks is also wearing a tutu.

 The Tahoe Derby Dames' green team wins!!

bike ride and popsicles

 I went for a nice little bike ride today, and timed it just right to stop by the farmers market along the way. It was gorgeously sunny out and I think I finally got some color on my thighs. Woohoo!

A homemade popsicle was the perfect reward and did the trick of cooling me off.

About that popsicle. So it's been on my list to make homemade popscicles this summer. I don't have any fancy molds and wasn't quite sure what I was going to use. So I just improvised, like I always do.

A week or so ago, I made homemade 'ice cream' in the blender using coconut milk, strawberries, pineapple, and maybe a banana (I can't remember now). It made the thickest yummiest ice cream ever.

Look how tall it is!!

I ate part of it and divided the rest up into 2 glasses. Stuck a spoon into each while it was still thick and the spoon stood up in the middle, then stuck it in the freezer.

When I got home today, I let it sit on the counter to thaw a bit. That made it able to slide out. I was surprised how well it stayed on the spoon. Mmmm, it was tasty.

the Sunday Special - Artichokes

They're kind of my new thing. Since I learned how to prepare and eat artichokes a month ago, I've eaten 4 of them. There really is a CHOKE so be aware...but don't be scared. It's pretty simple and there are lots of 'how to' instructions and videos out there. (This is a good one.)

I actually haven't seasoned the water (as the link suggests). After cooking the first artichoke in just plain water, I decided to keep the water for the next time I made one. I have continued to do so each time and have been cooking other veges in it too. As you might have guessed, it's creating a nutrient rich vegetable broth.

While it's boiling (covered), I set a glass dish of chopped garlic and coconut oil on the lid. It is warm and ready for the dipping when the artichoke is done cooking. Butter is good too, of course. =)