Duckings

 Years ago my Mom got me this cute duckling painting from a

local resale shop.  We had our own real-life "Duckie Blairs."

So Mom couldn't resist adding on a duckling figurine

from Enesco Homegrown, its part-squash, part duck.

Its a little odd, but fits with the painting amazingly well.

Ravishing Ruby Ring

After falling head-over-heels for my created ruby cab ring from

Fused N Twisted, I dreamed of a custom with a larger stone.

With the most amazing turn-around speed possible, this

10 mm rose faceted beauty in hammered fine and Argentium

silver has already arrived.  Thank-you Marcia!

 I'm having a blast trying it on with all my clothes and goodies.

Yep, it goes with aqua tones...

...perfect with a spring green rainbow...

This ring even has enough pizazz to hold its own

with a sparkly Sorrelli bracelet.

 The thin band is the perfect size for me, and comfortable enough

to wear every day.  Luckily, the delicate design has sturdy

underlying construction, built like the proverbial bridge.

Oh, and the colors, so spectacular ranging from bing cherry red...

 

 ...to hot pink and about every red and pink shade inbetween.

 Everyone can't help but take notice.

 The ruby rings even stack together for extra pow.

 But I'll probably wear them apart for double-handed bling.

 With my Mom's engagement ring and Grandma's wedding band,
multiple generations who love sparkly things.

 Just one more photo before I'm off to try her with another outfit :).

Walk Part III: Fauna

About a third of the way home is a duck pond

with year-round residents.

Cool breezes, comfy benches, and cute company.

 

A wooly bear caterpillar safely crosses the walking path.

 Bees drone in the warm sunlight.

Beetles are visiting the daisies.

 Besides the cavalcade of walkers, runners, and bikers,

there are rustic elements bordering the fields.

A stunning view of Mary's Peak on the last big hill towards home.

Walk Part II: Trees

 Half-way home, an arboretum of ornamental trees and benches

lines the walking path.

The cerise Japanese maples are stunning against the clear sky.

 Dogwood elevates large blossoms from its graceful branches.

 The ornamental fruit trees are almost past their bloom.

 Another week and I would have missed all of this.

Walk Part I: Flowers

Its about a five mile walk from work to home, and after over a

month of bronchitis, I got a bee in my bonnet that it was time to

start doing the walk again.  It took almost two and a half hours

of wheezing and panting, but I had my camera along and

many gardens to pause and enjoy...

Tulips are giving their last gorgeous gasp.

Redolent and resplendent candytuft wafts the scent of honey.

Close to campus the gardens are wild and feral.

California poppies are already popping up, a sign of summer.

In the shade, a blue iris brightens the spot.

 Ornamental strawberries sprawl over the mulch.

 Gardens line the walking path, each with its own personality.

Passing through a housing development, the gardens are

spic and span, with bold accents.

 I wouldn't miss this character for anything.

Pickle and Salmon

Bread n' butter pickle green with salmon pink

are gorgeous together, maybe because they
are almost opposite on the color wheel.

Simplicity

 I've been using my "murder board" (I miss The Closer)

to organize new project ideas.

 It's a blast to add in details, images, and to-do lists,

but sometimes it feels good to just simplify.

 So today the board looks something like this, neat as can be.

Vladimir's Christmas Gift is front and center,

with extra sparkly star highlights and big plans.

Ivory to White

I'm almost done with my moleskine journals and

can't wait to transition from ivory to white paper.

The colors really pop!

Finger Food

It may be more elegant to eat sushi with chopsticks...

...but to me they are the perfect finger food.

Little rolls of veggies and rice, just the right size and texture.

To keep the fingers busy, a side of falafel pancakes.

Just like sushi, you can't eat just one.

 

Edible Art-Shows-to-Go.