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A Porter, a Few Books, and Some Art

Hello friends.  I hope you had a wonderful Holiday!

It is T-day over at Elizabeth's Blog so sharing a drink first.  Happy T-day to the gang and everyone who visits. 

After a recent youth wrestling match in Opelika, Alabama, we decided to try a local restaurant called Zazu Gastropub.  They boost of using fresh local foods and of having the best hamburger around.  The pimento cheese burger was good,but I should have had them cook it just a bit longer.  They also have tons of cool beers.  I tried the Moody Tongue Porter - soooo good.  The boys placed high in the match so we were celebrating and happy. 

Christmas was a hit this year.  Seemed that everyone got things they wanted, we had lots of precious family time, and only a tiny bit of drama.  We opted for Italian this year so the prep wasn't as time consuming. We did a fun charcueterie tray for during the day.  In between the fun, I read five books from Thursday night to last night while watching several Harry Potter Marathons and a bunch of Christmas movies (I speed read a bit). 

*The Bookman's Tale by Charlie Lovett

*The Housemaid by Frieda McFadden

*In 5 Years by Rebecca Serle

*When I Forgot by Elina Hirvonen

*Heart of the Matter by Emily Giffin

All were good, and I rated the first two a 5 on Goodreads. I can't wait to read the sequel to The Housemaid - it is coming out soon.  Wow - that girl has guts and a big heart.  I got both The Bookman's Tale and When I Forgot for 75 cents (total) at a used bookstore in Cullman, Alabama.  I had always avoided the books under $1 section previously, but I won't in the future. 

I have a little bit of art to share too.  A got a few more Daniel Smith watercolors to play with (sweet Christmas present from my oldest daughter) so, of course, I played!

On this one, I sketched in some hair on the dogs after punching out the Scottie Dogs (couldn't find the stamp to go with the punch - lol)- it is all Stamping Up!. 

This one was made by stamping a wagon wheel image with watercolors.  Both the image and the sentiment are from DRS Designs. 
This was supposed to be lilacs but I got confused a bit and it looks more like wisteria or grapes or grape-y wisteria.   Of well, my friend will like it anyway. 
I even recycled the card my Sister In-Law's sent us for Christmas into a Happy New Year card to send her back. I cut it down, added a new sentiment, and put in lots of silver Stickles. This was for a recycle challenge on Splitcoaststampers.com. 
Happy New Year to you all!


Hugz, 


Nancy









Comments

  1. kathyinozarksDecember 27, 2022 at 4:59 AM

    Good morning, I love your paintings! sounds like a pretty nice Christmas for your family. wow that's allot of books in a short time-I am a slow reader for sure Happy T and new week
    Kathy

    ReplyDelete
  2. Iris FlaviaDecember 27, 2022 at 5:18 AM

    What a nice name for a beer! WANT!!!
    Please?

    Oh, books. I´m too tired! And I have so many!!!


    Love those dogs!!! Never saw one for real, but love how they just "step out"!

    And that car!!!

    Wonderful, all of them, happy days and happy T-Day, hugz
    Cheers :-) I´m having a Märzen right now (local beer).

    ReplyDelete
  3. My name is Erika.December 27, 2022 at 5:29 AM

    Sounds like a happy holiday-hurrah. I am most impressed you were able to read 5 books in between all the food, festivities and movie marathons. Nice Nancy. And nice Christmas watercolor gift set. I can see you used it well. These cards are amazing. Have a great T day, rest of 2022 and happy new year to you also. hugs-Erika

    ReplyDelete
  4. CJ KennedyDecember 27, 2022 at 6:46 AM

    Sounds like a wonderful holiday. As always your cards are clever and amazing. Happy T Day

    ReplyDelete
  5. Mae TravelsDecember 27, 2022 at 7:36 AM

    reading 5 books is very impressive. I’m taking a couple of days on each book I read. Have a continued good holiday week!

    best… mae at maefood.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. Let's Art JournalDecember 27, 2022 at 8:21 AM

    Sounds like you had a wonderful Christmas with your family and I love Italian food, what a wonderful way to celebrate 😊. Loving your cards too, it looks like you had fun creating these - perfect. Happy T Day wishes, enjoy the rest of the holidays and wishing you all the very best for 2023! Hugs Jo x

    ReplyDelete
  7. Empire of the CatDecember 27, 2022 at 8:56 AM

    oh good, more books to check out! I love your Scottie dogs, so cute, and how nice to get some DS paints for Christmas! Happy Holidays and Happy T Day! Elle/EOTC xx

    ReplyDelete
  8. Carola BartzDecember 27, 2022 at 9:35 AM

    I love the name of the beer - moody tongue! That's a creative name. Your dog card is so lovely, they look so cute. Grap-y wisteria - you just made a new flower! Will they be in the nurseries next year? Beautiful recycled card as well, you are very creative. Have a happy new year, Nancy.

    ReplyDelete
  9. DVArtistDecember 27, 2022 at 9:48 AM

    I like the name of the beer too. Glad you had a nice Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
  10. LiscaDecember 27, 2022 at 2:00 PM

    I'm so glad you had a lovely Christmas. That is what it's all about. Family time etc.
    Thanks for the book recommendations. I got an Amazon gift voucher as a gift for Christmas so I might get the Housemaid.
    Your cards are beautiful!
    I'm sorry to be late but happy T-Day and a happy New Year!,
    Hugs,
    Lisca

    ReplyDelete
  11. jinxxxygirlDecember 27, 2022 at 3:28 PM

    Ah Nancy... Lisca above thinks she's late... I'm even later...lol Love your paintings.. They make beautiful cards! I received a set of Winsor Newton Cotman watercolors... I'm new to water coloring but i think it will be fun to learn.. 'Moody Tongue'..lol People are so creative with naming craft beer and such.. Happy T day! Hugs! deb

    ReplyDelete
  12. Bleubeard and ElizabethDecember 27, 2022 at 9:48 PM

    I apologize that I am late visiting. I can't get my blog POST to load, but I got my blog to load once and now I am afraid to refresh it in case I won't be able to see it at all. Please be aware I am truly honored and sincerely delighted you shared your Moody Tongue porter with Bleubeard and me for T this Tuesday. I am so grateful for your friendship and fellowship over a drink. Thank you for joining us for T today.

    LOVE those cards. Great recycling too.

    Bleubeard and I also want to wish you a very happy holiday and a safe, healthy, joyous 2023.

    ReplyDelete
  13. *Vicki*December 28, 2022 at 7:05 AM

    So happy to hear that you've had a great Holiday time friend! I really adore those little doggies and how you've sketched in the fur! Really love the idea about the re-cycled Christmas card too! Really brilliant art inspiration friend! Wonderful New Year ahead!! HUGS

    ReplyDelete
  14. Kate YetterDecember 28, 2022 at 11:12 AM

    Your Christmas cards are beautiful! I love the wisteria/lilacs. You certainly read a lot of books lately. I haven't read any of them but have heard of a few.
    Happy Belated Tea Day,
    Kate

    ReplyDelete

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