Whew, what a week!

As this week comes to a close two words come to mind...HOT and BUSY!

Summer found it's way to IL early and brought low 90's, high humidity and loads of rain. Yuck!

Tuesday was the one year "Gotchya Anniversary" or adoption anniversary for my Catahoula, Sadie Sue. She was my very first foster dog and she never left. We celebrated in a big way and took her to the dog bakery for liver cake and compliments and she got to share a hotdog with her siblings and got some quality time with me.

Thursday my dad had surgery and he's doing great. I'm so blessed for having supportive friends during rough times.

Friday night was the opening for "The Blues" show at Karen Solem's Gallery in Elmhurst, IL. There was a fantastic selection of art and despite the bad weather, there was a nice crowd. I met a very talented artist that I hope to feature on this blog later this summer. Her work was amazing!

On Saturday night we headed to another opening, the five year anniversary celebration at Orleans Street Gallery in the Pheasant Run Resort. They had art hanging, an ongoing slideshow of art from many of the artists that have exhibited there in the last five years and live painters.

Today my good friend, Ruth came over at 5:30AM and helped me move dirt and plants around to get ready for my new fern garden. We loaded up her car with ferns, hostas and other perenials and she took them home to liven up her yard. I love sharing plants with friends.

I finished a mosaic for an international art exchange. I call it "Shining Through". The spidery center came off a light fixture. I sanded the rust off, primed it, painted it with metal paints and adorned the tips with vintage amethyst scarabs. The tesserae includes Orsoni smalti, Perdomo smalti, glass beads, fused glass and rotti.

Tonight I started a large painting of a ballerina. I'm excited to see how she turns out.