This, That, and the Other

A few days ago, I received mail from the talented Anne Huskey-Lockard of El Milagro Studio. When I opened it, out fell this ATC (Artist Trading Card) she had made for me.

I love it, especially my new set of wings... She painted it on both sides and I wish you could see some of the detail work that is actually embossed on it. And the message more than meaningful for me! Just wonderful!! Thank you, Anne!!

Now, guess what I had sent to her to warrant such a return gift?! Dead leaves. Yep, a box filled with dead oak leaves to use in her art. I'd say that was a good trade for me. Anne, you are the best!!
And as we are on the subject of ATCs, here's my latest from today. I was playing with some Golden airbrush paints that are fluid like ink. Very fun and very different in what you can do with them. They are also highly staining, so wherever they drip, there they are. She was a fun little (very little!) experiment. I still can't get used to how tiny ATCs are. What you can't see is some of the Golden micaceous iron oxide that adds just the right amount of sparkle.
Ok, complete change of subject! I was sitting out on the back porch this afternoon and suddenly heard something big whooshing past me. When I looked up, it was a big pileated woodpecker. They are just the oddest looking birds - they look prehistoric to me. We don't see them often, so this was a treat!
A few minutes later, the wren family came to feast. One baby preening,
another checking out what's going on,
and the third enjoying a bite to eat. I wonder how much longer until they are off on their own...
St. Francis thought that this was all as it should be,
Winslow was feeling sleepy,
and the oak leaf hydrangea just concentrated on opening it's beautiful blossoms.
Another day at the Powers house... And now begins a new one! I hope it will be a good day for all of us!!