No. 190

No. 190 / Duck Lips
Original Colored Pencil — Paper size 9 x 12 in., Image 4.5 x 4.5 in 

Yellowstone National Park was a hotbed for tourist selfies. I have never seen so many selfie sticks EVER. And when landscape shots lost their appeal I started snapping pics of selfie takers. Of course, I had to put a little spin on this current trend. Are you pro selfie? Yay or Nay?

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No. 184

No. 184 / Tormented
Original Colored Pencil — Paper size 6 x 9 in. 

When you are a bad bear the punishment can be a little jingly. Montana, thus far, has offered a variety of new experiences and thought processes. Being aware of the wildlife around is just one of them. You find bear spray in a lot of the local sporting good stores, and for good reason. They live here. There are also what are called 'bear bells' that are supposed to help keep the giants at bay. A quick search on the inter web might suggest they act more like a dinner bell. (Yeeks!) I guess we will see this 

No. 177

No. 177 / Memorial Falls
Original Colored Pencil — Paper size 9 x 12 in, Image 8 x 11 in. 

It's Friday! Here's to hoping you have a fabulous and funky Friday.

Today's newsletter is a little late because I was still working this morning. (I finally had to give it up.) This drawing is of Memorial Falls, a spectacular hike near the Belt, MT. We had a blast when  last weekend exploring; there were so many vibrant colors to see!

Have a great weekend! 

No. 175

No. 175 / Berries
Original Prismacolor — Paper/Image size 6 x 9 in

Happy Wednesday to you! I saw these berries in the Sluice Box State Park and wondered what they were. I love their hot pink/cherry red color. 

No. 174

No. 174 / Among the Rocks
Original Prismacolor — Paper size 9 x 12 in., Image 6 x 9 in. 

Prismacolor pencil using the Icarus Drawing Board

Montana offers a variety of beautiful camping sites, incredible hiking, and appealing small towns. Don't get me wrong—Idaho does too. I'm really appreciating discovering what the Treasure State has to offer. 

Last weekend we took a trip to Sluice Boxes State Park and Memorial Falls, both fun hikes. However, Memorial Falls took the cake for me. It is a three-mile hike nestled back in the wilderness among lichen covered rock and tall, dense trees. If you hike the full trail you will be met by two waterfalls. Time stands still when you are on this trail. And though it climbs 504 ft.—it's an easy hike. 

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No. 167

No. 167 / Summer Iris #2
Original Prismacolor — Paper size 9 x 12 in. 
Price $99 plus shipping and sales tax

It is the season of the Iris! They were a favorite of the likes of my mom and grandma. I don't recall noticing them as much as I have this year. We seem to have quite a few around our house, which is really nice.

No. 162

No. 162 / Mountain Cottontail
Original Colored Pencil —  9 x 12 in. 

One thing that has been surprising about Montana is the abundance of rabbits. They range from mid-size hare types to mini-bunnies. They are as abundant as squirrels are in Boise. This little guy was out at the Wildlife Refuge. 

No. 135

No. 135 / The Goat
Original Pan Pastel + Prismacolor + Wax Pastel — Image Size 9 x 6 in.
Paper Size 12 x 9 in. 

Today is a significant day. Not only did I get to sleep in today, I am officially embarking on my next chapter (or book, as a friend told me). Yesterday was my last day at the paving company. I am officially unemployed and beginning one of the biggest adventures of my life! I will really miss my friends from work. They have been a family for me and I cherish them. And, truly, I was blessed with two of the best bosses ever. 

And, since I am thinking of work and goats I have a little goat story . . . On my lunch breaks at work I often would take a walk in the neighborhood behind the construction company. One day a goat appeared out of nowhere. When he first ran at me I thought he was a dog. I was surprised to see he was a goat! He was definitely lost. He decided we were pals and started  walking right along with me, just like a dog. I couldn't shake him. He DID make a great walking companion, but I was sure I couldn't arrive back at the office with a goat. We already had a cat or two hanging around! Eventually, I was able to lose him where I found him. I always hoped he made it back to is owner. (You never know what you'll encounter in the 'hood around the office.)

This particular goat (in the painting) was one I found at a luau in Kauai. Curious, I decided to look up some symbolism associated with goats. Here are a few traits that are associated with them: independence, spiritual ambition, curiosity, intelligence, perseverance, and sacrifice.

I hope you have a great Friday!