Colorado and artist friends. . . . . . . . . .

Our recent trip westward didn't end with that amazing visit to Utah. . . . . . it 

continued into Colorado for yet another long awaited visit with a blog friend,

Michael MacVean, graphic designer/illustrator extraordinaire, 

SCRIBBLE PICNIC host and all around lovely, friendly, funny guy.

Visit Michael's blog HERE.

Today he's back posting about his move to Kentucky and 

plans for the future.

We flew from Salt Lake City to Denver, picked up a rental car and drove to 

Loveland where dinner with Michael was planned. We were running quite late

 due to the airport car rental place being a nightmare, but Michael, bless his polite

 English heart, waited for us. . . . . . . .thank goodness!

Michael and I have been blog friends for many, many years and he, like me

always seemed excited at the thought of meeting up someday. We decided this

 had to be the year - he's still young but we're getting long in the tooth!

 As Utah and Colorado are neighboring states we could do it quite easily.

There was just one hitch, lifestyle changes meant Michael and his wife,

 lovely artist, Alexandra were moving to Kentucky just before we were due 

to arrive in Fort Collins, Colorado!

Anyway all worked out as Michael returned to tie up lose ends on the dates

 we were visiting and we could get together. Sadly Alexandra was not able to

 come with him due to work commitments in Kentucky. . . . . but we look

 forward to meeting up with her another time.

The second day in Fort Collins we met Michael for a tour around the

 really great Old Town section of Fort Collins.  Starting with freshly baked 

biscuits, muffins, croissants (best almond one ever) and good coffee at

The Little Bird Bakery - which I know Michael and Alexandra will

definitely miss - we enjoyed walking and visiting so many interesting 

shops and viewing historic homes in the area.

I love signage and in Fort Collins Old Town area it was awesome.

Strolling around town on a beautiful day.

This was a great small batch chocolate shop - we each had a truffle and picked

 two bars to bring home. Gobbled up the truffles but the bars are here awaiting

 a special occasion for serving.

This collage shows some the pretty things for sale in the lovely shops Michael

 took time to show us. I did buy the French kitchen soap as I was out of it. 

The fox on the baby onesie in the center is one of Alexandra's illustrations. . . . .and

 I have to say the little dish with the sheep has a quote I totally agree with (Gina that

 one's for you!).

Michael thanks so much for making time to see us - we enjoyed it all so much.

Wishing you and Alexandra much happiness in your new home.

  Here's to the next time.

Scribble Picnic. . . . . . . Fill in the Blank

. . . . . . . . I craved one for a while. 

Then I wanted grey. 

Now, I'm not up for a kitchen remodel/upheaval at all - so will stay with 

my original natural wood cabinets, enjoy them, save thousands. . . . . 

and guess what, brown wood is being loved again!

This week's theme for Michael's Scribble Picnic is

Fill in the Blank.  There's a choice of two shapes, as my screen shot

above shows (I'm using the version on the right), and you get to see our 

 handsome host Michael too!

Like me, he's a British ex-pat so we have a lot in common, despite

  the fact I'm old enough to be his grandma! We love, tea, toast, marmalade

Victoria sponge cake ~ and Bob and I are hoping next year to meet up with

 Michael and his lovely, talented illustrator wife Alexandra, to sip and nibble

 while we talk about England.

Come and join us on Scribble Picnic days - you don't have to be

 an artist per se. I'm definitely not, just give your creative side a little push,

 it's fun, and you meet other creative people from around the world,

 thanks to Michael!

Scribble Picnic - my 'art'. . . . . . . . . . .

Some of my 'artwork' from recent months.

I've enjoyed my weekly involvement with the small art co-op SCRIBBLE PICNIC

for many months now.

 Hosted by Michael in beautiful Colorado, our small but dedicated group creates 

the most amazing art for each new theme. Michael definitely stretches us and is 

generous enough to even allow those of us who aren't great at drawing, illustrating

and painting, such as yours truly, to use other creative ways to show our love of art.

 A love of photography has been my way to join these talented artists. Editing 

and adding watercolor and pencils to my photos has enabled me to join the group.

This week you may have noticed we're taking a little break. We'll all be back next 

week with quite a challenge - it will be interesting!  If you would like to join us, and

 we'd truly love to have you, check Michael's blog HERE for all details.