An Unexpected Adventure And Art

Hello Lovelies!

 

The past several weeks have been so packed with joy.

I can start to feel a shift in the weather this past week. Cooler evenings and a bit of a morning chill. I expect fall is soon on it's way. Many of the kids are heading back to school already, so I guess summer is winding down.

Seems every chance we can get were heading to the Oregon Coast for a little cool down. The heat this year has been, well... HOT. Us Oregonian's aren't used to so many days of 90's. Everything is just sooo dry.

 

While we were at the beach this last visit, we went on a 2 mile "wetland" hike. It was such a beautiful day.

Sun beams shining through the tree tops...

 Birdies singing from up above, and little bridges that paved the way...

 Monster leaves tucked between tall grass along side the path...

 And OHHHH Toadstools!
Would you just look at these?
Wowzers!

 These guys were amazing!

Petrified solid with the most amazing colors.

Gnarled and awesome...



 

Up , Up and Up they grew...

All the way to the top.
Purely Magical!

 

After being awestruck by the magic of the toadstools, we came across a sign leading us to an unexpected surprise.

 

 I thought to myself, oooh how wonderful. Well.... much to our surprise, it was completely DRY.

I expect this place will be just amazing after the rains come. It will give us a reason to re visit and see some the migrating birds and forest critters that call this place home.

And...the most amazing thing, is that this secret forest is within a 1 minute walk from our lot at the beach. I can't wait to see it in the fall. Really a spectacular and amazing place.

 

With the month drawing to a close, I have certainly had Halloween on my mind too. I signed up for the wonderful Tombstone ATC swap over at Retro Café Art Gallery. I always get excited about this swap. So much fun!!! So many talented artists!!!

 I expect to start on my tombstones real soon. There is plenty of time to sign up still.
I came across a few pictures of some that I made in the past...

I have so many more pictures "somewhere" in my computer.  I'm sure I'll find them after I publish this post.

LOL!

 

 I have been trying to get into the "spirit" of Halloween this past few weeks, and finished up a batch of little wicked's that are currently available in my shop. Here are a few of them:)

 

 

 I really love making these.

Just so much fun!

I enjoy making each one unique and different. This batch I added some fun elements like the little spell books and cauldrons, and curly little wire elements too.

When I finish one, they make me smile.

Happy.

That's what art is all about for me.

What are you currently working on?

I would love to hear from you below in the comment section is you have the time.

 

Hope you all have a wonderful week!

 

Take good care, and best wishes to you,

~Susan



Beach Bummin'

Good Morning Lovelies!

Hope your enjoying your summer.

It has been so warm and dry here in Portland Oregon this year. 

Pretty unusual for us, we usually get some rainy days, but this year has been exceptionally dry. It rained this past weekend and I never thought I would ever say it. 

But... I missed the rain. 

It hasn't rained here since the last week in April. So refreshing, and the smell... just lovely. 

We have been beating the heat around here the past few weeks with some little escapes to the beach.

Oh how I love the beach.

Mr. sweetness had some work to do at the coast, so we had a nice little working mini vacation. 

I packed up a little bag of stitchery to keep me occupied, just in case I needed something to do. 

While he worked at this neat little camp ground repairing some concrete walls, I stitched trailer pillows and explored some of the grounds.

This little secret is nestled in a beautiful location just 5 miles north of Lincoln City, Oregon.

They had a large country store. Really charming.

Ponds with blooming lilies...

Little angler shops nestled along side the Siletz river.

You can rent boats and Kayak's during the day. We don't really fish, but they did say you could also rent crab pots.That sounded pretty good.

 However, we didn't have much time for that this trip.Maybe next time.

As I continued along the river I came across a 

Beautiful walking trail that seemed to whisper to me to step inside.

 Just absolutely beautiful

Wild Daisies blooming all over the grounds

Mother nature provided me with some sweet natural nourishment along the way.

 Once through the trees, the trail opens up into a large meadow. 

Such wonderful sounds I heard, rustling grasses blowing in the wind, and so many bird songs, I felt as if I was transported into another world.

Cat tails bursting open to spread their seeds and begin again.

At the end of the trail I came across a little goat. 

I wanted to give him a pet, but he wasn't having any of that.

Still, he was a pretty handsome guy even with his attitude. At least he was willing to let me take his picture. It was really a great weekend. I can't wait to go back and see what else I can find.

Hope you enjoyed the adventure and wishing you all a wonderful day!

Best to you,

~Susan