Friday, April 30, 2010

Spring in Vandervoort

We have a country house in Vandervoort, which is a tiny town in Southwest Arkansas.  It's so wonderful to be there in the spring.  Several years ago Sweetie planted a football field sized plot of Shasta Daisies, and they bloom every year, along with a long row of daffodils.  Such a happy sight to see driving down our little dirt road!
Sweetie went kayaking again, so I had Shuttle Bunny duty.  It was kind of funny, because these two Park Rangers were talking to us at the put in, and then they seemed to follow me to the take out.  I think they thought I was going to get lost.  Little did they know that Sweetie and I have spent years hiking and driving these woods and know our way around pretty well!  Here's a pic from the Sandbar Bridge take out on the Cossatot River....



I love me a little black dog!  We have a Yorkiepoo - part Yorkshire Terrier, part Poodle - heretofore to be named LBD. (Little Black Dog)  She is smart, brave, funny, and tough as nails!  Here she strikes a pose on our deck at Vandervoort.  She didn't want her picture taken, cause she was "on patrol", guarding us from errant squirrels and cows.


OK, is it just me, or is there a face of a bear in this tree?!  Look closely - looks like a bear to me.  There are bears in these woods - thought we heard one growling one time when we were out hiking.  Our neighbors have reported seeing them also.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

April Art in Argenta - Art Walk!

Bijou Booth was at Art Walk in Argenta recently....


There was a great group of musicians next to my booth and they were so good!  So much fun!  The cutest baby award goes to Cecelia and the cutest dog award goes to Toto.  Had the best time!  

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

The Beauty of Shreveport

I know most people probably think of casinos when they think of Shreveport.  But that's not what it means to me.  I grew up there, and to me it means a church on every corner, and the most lush, beautiful greenery and flowers.  It's sub-tropical and the air is soft.  Feeling a little homesick today.....  Pics from my recent visit:



I think this is a really tall snowball bush???


This is the pond at Norton Art Gallery.


The state bird of Louisiana - the pelican.


This is me in the morning before I've had my skittles and coffee!

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Shreveport Bead Retreat

Recently I went to Shreveport, Louisiana - my hometown - for the 12th Shreveport Bead Retreat.  Ida Williams puts on the best bead retreat you can imagine!  Super classes, beautiful door prizes, great food, and a wonderful group of fun and generous beaders. 


Ida Williams, the coordinator for the retreat



Ida's Undulating Bracelet - so pretty!



Beautiful right angle weave by Julie at www.etsy.com/shop/JuellesDesigns

There's another retreat planned for August 2010, so make your plans now!

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Shuttle Bunny

My sweetie is getting ready for his Grand Canyon trip, so he went kayaking on the Cossatot the other day.  I was his shuttle bunny, which was ok because the river was so pretty and green.  It was really windy, though - the wind pushed a dead tree over into the river as he was paddling by......