new leaf

Today my husband took my youngest back to Charleston SC where she is returning as a sophomore at the College of Charleston. She is majoring in exercise science. I was inspired by her dedication to fitness this summer- she hit the gym at least every other day. She said it made her feel better and those endorphins helped her mood.
She has inspired me to get back to a fitness regime- and I actually started a blog about it- to inspire and keep me accountable. I used to run in my 20's and 30's, and have slacked off in my 40s and now 50's. I love yoga , but need more cardio as well.
I found a routine on line  here so today, Winnie and I did the beginning 20 minutes-walk run combo. The soft rain felt nice.
I do feel great now and am committed to this. It beats sitting around and feeling sad. Thanks Maddie!

I did this watercolor yesterday of my Mom's bouquet- loose and free- not stressing a bit about art right now...
And yesterday I was psyched to see my piece at the Pembroke Arts Festival.
The folks who run that show are the friendliest and nicest people.
Loved it and feel really honored to receive my award.

My boots have wings! Now to get that skinny again (LOL)

My Mother, Ruth Ellan Chipman (Dean) Bailey

Yesterday we celebrated the life of my Mother, who passed away July 20, 2011, at the First Parish Unitarian Church in Norwell.
It was a perfect tribute to her- she was a warm, talented, funny, beautiful person.
I miss her but know in my heart that she is at peace .
This painting was done by artist Catherine ( Stevie") Goodnow of Scituate. It was painted for the play "Laura" in which my mother had the lead role. It was always in our house growing up, and  is my favorite image of my mom. Now I get to have it in my home.

This arrangement for the alter yesterday is from all of her children's yards and gardens, in her cut crystal pitcher.  I haven't felt much like painting lately, but I might attempt  it today in watercolors.

Opening!

 Lots of folks came for the opening last night- great turnout for a Monday night. It was a lot of fun.

                                   Here I am with my three friends all named Mary all in black...LOL

                                                             the evening winding down...

                                  My fabulous hostesses Nancy Howell and Liz Haywood Sullivan.
                                              Thank you gals and North River Arts!
                          The show runs till September 30 at the Hingham Public Library.

tooting my own horn

My painting "Red Boots" got 3rd place at the Pembroke Art festival!( not this piece - couldn't find the red boots image :-- but he's tooting his horn too!)
I am excited!
Also my show opens at 7 tonight at the Hingham Library.

Fairie Houses and my show is hung!

 Thursday I made fairie houses at the museum- my friend and yogini Linda Evans made the top one-its a Bahamian hideaway complete with rope swing, mine below is up on a rock for protect from flash floods!
Both are on display at the museum to advertise the free fairie house workshop we hare having on Sept 10 from 1:30-3:30. It is so fun to make these!
We hope to get a lot of them to display at our big opening later that month. E-mail me for more info.

Hung my paintings yesterday- I'm very pleased with the space at the Hingham Public Library.

"kenny" 4"x4" acrylic on panel

My monthly challenge group "Girls Just Wanna Paint" met at Page Railsbacks' last month- and the sweetest cat "Kenny" was lounging on the pretty wicker chair- so Page chose him as our challenge!

I love cats... too bad my husband is allergic to them - plus there is enough dog hair in my house already! (: