After the week that I had, it was so nice to open my mailbox and find it filled with surprises. I have to admit, I was feeling a little less than cheery over the past few weeks. Imagine my utter surprise at finding all these goodies in my mailbox! Rena's note made me smile, she had such nice things to say. I've missed her. My dear Lillalotta knows that a bit of chocolate can go a long way when it comes to cheering me up. That, and look at the handmade ribbons she sent! Just beautiful. And my sister, who knows how much I love bags, sent me one that I've been wanting for some time now in my favorite "lotus lullaby" pattern. It's perfect. My watercolor palettes fit into the front pockets as though it were made for that sole purpose.

Snail mail is few and far in between nowadays, so when I see something in the mail besides bills and junk mail, I just can't help but smile from ear to ear. So, I resolve to get back into letter writing and reconnecting with people. I know email is easier and more convenient, but there's just something special about getting something you can actually hold in your hands. It just seems more special.

To further cheer me up, my husband took me out to eat. He knows that food is key in lifting my spirits. It's my reward for going through something a little scary for me. Again, when I go out to eat, I have every intention of sketching something interesting. However, I'm usually ravenously hungry by the time we sit down and can only do quick sketches while waiting for our entrees. Sadly, the sizing on the moleskine got in the way of some of the washes.


All week I've been trying to paint. I think I'm not exactly a hundred percent back to my old self yet. If you've read this far, then you'll now know that I'm recovering from a small procedure which is why I haven't been painting. I'm feeling better now that it's all over. All your lovely comments and my unexpected packages helped boost my spirits. Thank you so much for that!

I'm also so thankful that my husband is always there for me. He's so solid and dependable, and so cheerful that it makes things a lot less scary. Also, he wouldn't let me escape from the waiting room - which is probably why I ended up getting the procedure anyway. But, trips to the bookstore make up for those incidents. Particularly since he found me an Amy Butler book on clearance! (I love you despite not letting me run off!)


The striped pass case was also in the clearance bin. To my delight, it fits my handmade watercolor sketchbook perfectly! Now it should be protected from little spills since I'm so fond of sketching on tabletops next to my beverage. The blank journal is by Jill Bliss and I just couldn't pass it up. Not with that subtle grid pattern in the background. Love it!


Let's hope that next week is back to normal for me. I have beginnings of things for Illustration Friday, but nothing done. It's frustrating, but I suppose these things happen from time to time.