The Little Nuthatch

T his awesome sandcastle is brought to you by Francesca, Tori, and myself. Decorated with shells and seaweed. I love the beach. When it's so hot in Florida, you can go to the beach and it may be hot, but it will be breezy and the wet sand will be cool and the water refreshing!

I finished two more bird nest paintings today. This one is a Tufted Titmouse: Carolina Wrens are one of my favorite birds, they are such sweeties, and they have such interesting markings! Here is one, whose nest is made up of sticks and dried flowers: That one is oval shaped so it will fit in a birdhouse frame that I have... but I still need to paint the birdhouse to finish this piece.

I spent the weekend painting and watching Mad Men. Never seen Mad Men before... I am so hooked! Painting in progress: It is an indigo bunting. And finished:

Here are some photos from some little shelves in my studio, where I keep little treasures. The pink bird painting in the middle is by my friend Nancy. The piece of pottery underneath it was also a gift, I wish I knew the artist, doesn't it look like a little fairy house? I love to pick wildflowers, and I don't think they ever lose their beauty even as they dry out. I tend to keep them around for a very long time. I have had these for a few years at least. The painting with the girl and seagull below...

I went to the Black Hammock trail this week, it was my first time there. It starts out lush and beautiful, with some lovely boardwalks. Really really nice. Unfortunately it then turns into a trail that is wide, sunny with no shade, mostly palmettos, and with areas that have been cut down or burned. Most of the trail is like this.  I did see some wildlife- birds, a turtle, a snake (perhaps a pygmy rattlesnake? I'm not sure), and baby ducks!!