A Greenbelt Stroll

I love Sunday strolls, especially when I'm holding the hand of the man of my dreams.  Today Eric and I took a walk with some friends from his branch along the Idaho Falls greenbelt.  It was very  scenic with many picturesque views of the temple.  And can I just say, his branch buddies are a hoot.  We always have a lot of laughs when we're together.  

Iguacu Falls

It's finally finished!  Or in better words, I am finished with my painting for the present.  Eric reminded me of a quote that says an artist never really finishes a work of art but instead just finds a good stopping point.  I really feel it is true with this painting.  I have been working on it for some time but had a long break while I worked in Utah.  Since moving home I have tried to put hours into finishing it, and it shows great improvement from when I started.  Still, there is always something to pick apart.  I can't stop finding things I want to change!  In fact, I think I have repainted the sky at least three times.  I could keep going, but it is time to stop.  I am officially ready to move on to other projects.  Do I think it is perfect?  No.  In fact, I may in the future decide to be ambitious and paint over those trouble spots that keep getting to me.  But for now I'm calling it good.  Hopefully I will learn more about the process of turning art into prints, and this painting will be one of my firsts.  Wish me luck!

The Oregon Coast

My family recently returned from a FABULOUS trip to the 

Oregon coast (June 9-13) where it was incredibly cold but very beautiful. We stopped in several places along the way including Newport, Seaside, and Cape Meades. We toured the Tillamook Cheese Factory, ate clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls (to Eric's great pleasure), visitied an aquarium as well as a lighthouse and an octopus tree, camped overnight in a KOA, and explored several beaches. It was so picturesque. I think we would have jumped in the water at any time had not the wind been blowing so much. Nevertheless, it was wonderful to see some of Heavenly Father's beautiful and diverse creations in the far off land of Oregon. I hope we get to go again sometime.

Happy Birthday, Amanda

So, once again the time of year rolled around where I became officially older.  Yikes.  This year was my 25th birthday and for various reasons I was really dreading it.  "Let's just celebrate next year," I said, but no one listened.  We of course had cake (which Heather made, and it was delicious!) and presents.  I slept in late and painted and kept the day very casual.  Mostly I was missing my Eric.  Being the thoughtful one he is and knowing he would not be able to see me in person, he sent me an incredible hand-made card in the mail which arrived right on time and said such sweet romantic things which he has a talent for writing.  Not only that but he sent me a vase of beautiful wildflowers with some of my favorites: lilies and daisies.  It was a day I didn't want, but it turned out to be a very good one.  I was very grateful for so many who took time out to think of me and do something a little extra special.