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.

So hard to say "goodbye". . . . . . . . .

. . . . . so how about arrivederci, or just a good old plain cheerio!

Four days in paradise - such a fabulous time that even the kidney stone

is almost forgotten! The positive things about that unexpected episode were

 having kind friends who cared, and a nearby country hospital where ER service

was excellent and, after a few hours, I felt fine again and could return to the farm!

Those lovely days at Villa Vista were even more exhilarating and

 wonderful than expected.

Occasions such as this continue to make me realize just how great

 meeting blog friends can be. But for blogging our paths would never have

 crossed, and all those great times with special friends would never have

 happened in my life.

Above, me loving every moment on the farm.

We picked vegetables, we cooked, we ate both inside and al fresco, 

we painted, we toasted with champagne, we shared stories of life and travel, 

we met neighbors, we did a little sightseeing around town, we sat comfortably

 taking in such incredible views, we watched huge families of winged wonders,

 skid across the pond. . . . . 

. . . . oh yes, I did say we talked didn't I? In fact we never stopped!

All photos above taken at different times of day at the beautiful farm in the alfalfa field. 

As you can see, my time there was so special and I felt so very happy and peaceful

in this lovely place, surrounded by nature and with the most delightful hosts.

Be sure to visit Gina here at ART and ALFALFA to enjoy more stories, and 

her beautiful photos, from the farm.

Around the kitchen table. . . . .

I've aways enjoyed sitting around casual kitchen tables of friends, sharing a mug of

coffee, a cup of tea, plus of course a natter and catch up of any news.

Here in Gina's comfortable kitchen in the farmhouse in Utah, it was even more special.

Besides chatting - we sent our men away to check out vintage tractors in the barn, 

plus a visit to Mr. G's friend who builds beautiful Windsor style chairs in their tiny

 farming community - we got out the paints, brushes and blank bisque tiles and

 I received an awesome art lesson in Italian Renaissance style ceramics painting.

Gina's painted kitchen cabinet and many of her colorful ceramic pieces.

Note the walls - Gina painted them and embedded straw for this special farmhouse look.

I was a little nervous. . . . actually a lot nervous!

Having worked in an administrative capacity in commercial art and advertising

 for several years, I've never considered myself an artist. I decided to paint

 something with figs and Gina, with much patience, showed me the steps.

My practice tile - manipulating and learning the brush strokes, shading, blending

 the colors.  When my fig tile was finished Gina kept it - the practice one also - to glaze

 and fire in her kiln. My finished tiles arrived a few days ago and I'm so thrilled with them.

I love how the colors have come alive and can see myself perhaps painting more

 if I can buy materials and find a kiln service in my area to fire the tiles.

This is a 6X6 inch tile - I'm using it as a coaster here in the gazebo. I love how it

 turned out and many thanks to Gina for taking time to give me such an enjoyable

 lesson. It certainly got my creative juices flowing after such a long hiatus.

Here's the link to Gina's Etsy shop where 

you will see more of her beautiful work. . . . 

. . . . . and that special kitchen table!