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What a day! As I readily prepare for a visit this weekend from my lovely friend Kat, I managed to add three new paintings to my Etsy store! It was so exciting to receive the prints.

Jinx Cute'ture Shop


Le Cirque

High Hopes

Ship of Dreams

 Le Cirque went unfinished for nearly a year until I was encouraged by a few friends to complete it. Today I finally did! It makes me smile to know I can share it now. Such an accomplishment. Its amazing what a little encouragement can do!

Most Affectionately Yours,

Rae

I'm In Love

I was scrolling through the news today when I somehow stumbled across this surprisingly creative and amazing artist, Slinkachu. I was in need of something uplifting for my spirit and this did that very thing immediately! 

Check out the website below:


The Little People Project

Here is one of my favorites called "Wish You Were Here".

I love the concept because life really is all about perspective! 

Just wanted to share that quickly. <3

Most Affectionately Yours,

Rae

Candy Hearts and Paper Flowers

Happy Monday, Darlings! Today was an instant success for me since I completed one of my ongoing projects. I feel so accomplished and I am really quite fond of it considering it took me a great while to design it. (I can't wait for the HD scan!)

(Yet again, a temporary photo taken with my beloved phone.)

The banner around the ship reads:

"Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made"

"Ship of Dreams"

I had a song stuck in my head today. Once in a blue moon it arises in the back of my mind and the sweet little chorus makes me feel so good inside! I wanted to share it here. Am I the only one who remembers this?

Also, it is time for Piglet to get a flea bath. It seems her explorations in the backyard have introduced her to some not-so-friendly friends. Given her severe fear of water this will be quite interesting. Looks like I'll need some help suds-ing her up!

Amidst purchasing a smoothie outside of the Cuban Coffee Queen, my friend Sally noticed the cutest kitten who had just been in the water for a swim (courtesy of his sailboat captain owner). His name is Sebastien and I have appointed him The Daily Cuteness - brought to you by yours truly.

 

 

Lastly, since I am a collector of the little things like moments, stickers, kittens, seashells, etc. I'd like to share my newest desire: A charm bracelet! Much like this one by Tiffany's:

AAHHH! I love the colors, the shapes, the meanings and the sparkles. I already have a list of the ones I really want. (A seahorse! An anchor! All of them?)

The charms by Juicy make my head spin.

How would I ever choose? And how cute is the whale!?

  Maybe this will be my birthday present to myself. <3

Most Affectionately Yours,

Rae

Its Never too Hot for Hot Boiled Peanuts!

Whew! The hectic part of my week has finally ended. I can now focus on some new paintings since I now have watercolor paper again and I am full of ideas. Hooray! It seems my creative block is over for now.

Referencing my previous post, elephants have been good luck for my friend Sam and I. I thought I'd pay tribute to them with one sitting quite carefree on a breezy afternoon in the country flying a kite. 

(Forgive the photo taken with my cell phone. I haven't scanned it just yet!)

Quite a happy guy, indeed! <3

In other news, I worked this week in Islamorada. My view from the office:

I am seriously obsessed with the anchor so casually reclining in the waves. And how adorable are the buoys and the little boat? It looks like a castaway's island! 

When I arrived home I went for a bicycle ride and saw THIS guy! He is probably the prettiest rooster I have ever seen and I cannot wait to paint him. I think it is going to be my next project. I love how the tip of his tail feathers are white. He has the most lovely golden flecks all throughout his feathers and a beautiful aquamarine in his tail as well. I just had to share him!

Tonight I am having a few friends over for some white wine and Cajun Boiled Peanuts. They're a southern favorite and one of my serious weaknesses. I made them for the first time last night and might I say - they're DELICIOUS!

I have been asked for the recipe, so here it is!

Ingredients:

1 bag RAW peanuts (not roasted)

3 oz. Zataran's Crab Boil

1 small can Jalapenos in juice

1/2 cup sea salt (or more to taste)
A dash of Cayenne pepper

2 Tbsp. Cajun spices

1 Tbsp. Paprika

1 Tbsp. Garlic Powder

Directions:

Place all ingredients in a large pot and cover peanuts in water. Boil on Medium High for 45 minutes to an hour.

Transfer to a slow cooker/crock pot (I preheated mine while they were boiling since it takes awhile). Put the lid on, crank it up to High and let the magic happen! Don't forget to check once in awhile for water level. 

In about 10-15 hours they are soft and incredible. 

Mmm, tada! Enjoy!

Most Affectionately Yours,

Rae