Adorable things I love about this little Nuthatch:

1. He can toss, flip and catch seed using only his beak.
2. Upside-down, even.
3. He is very inquisitive.
4. He allows me within 18 inches of him on the feeder.
5. But not on the tree.
6. He does not like it when I bring my camera outside.
7. He’s persistant, stuffing seeds in behind the bark.
8. He cleans up after himself, picks up any seed he’s dropped.
9. He watches me and knows when fresh suet is out, he’s the first one there, usually.
10. He’s acrobatic, flips and twists upside down and sideways with just small flaps of the wings - incredible little guy to watch from 18 inches!

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It’s MONDAY! I feel like today is a good day to be busy in the studio, so I’m going to attempt to get things organized and get some canvas time in today! I’ll let you know how that works out - being summer vacation and all, we’ll see how the stars and moon have aligned themselves today. Wish me cooperative children and a peaceful puppy!

Kids, Designs, Paintings, Home and Personal Improvement...
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The conversation was short, it went something like this:

Chickeymonkey: Hey Ma?
Me: Yeah Chick?
Chick: Have you stopped to smell the roses today?
Me: Nope, I haven’t. We should do that, huh?
Chick: Yeah! Let’s go!

And so we went. And it was one of those moments where you think “what a smart little kid.” and you wonder if she realizes how profound her little question was, and how in the midst of a day of working and a mind full of stuff - it is truly important to stop what you’re doing, get up, and go smell the roses. And the daisies, too.

Afterward, if you’re sweating like a bugger after being out there smelling roses in 100+ degree heat, you can follow the lead of our smart little Tuckerhead. Flop your daggone belly right over the vent, and take a nap.

Hope you’re staying cool, too!

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Today is the day for the Pigs On Parade event in Geneseo! There are 11 pigs in all (I think that was the count), here are a few pics of my Pig for you. It was HOT out there! Catybug and I are on the other side of the hayrack doing the “parade wave”, Doc Bordwell riding alongside as well. There was also some local news hanging around, so if I catch any extra publicity of course I’ll be happy to share that as well!

Some onlookers after the parade route ended.
He recieved some nice compliments!

The clearcoat really gave the painting a great shine, he looks beautiful out in the sunlight! I’m really pleased with how it turned out. The parade was handled so efficiently, and the community involvement was really great!

The only thing missing was candy, according to Chickeymonkey - she was expecting us to be tossing out candy from the hayracks. Which explains why she wanted to be an onlooker with Daddy!

Here are some extra pigs - we didn’t get pics of all of them. My personal fave is the Chef! It is really well done (hardy-oink-har-har)!

Kids, Designs, Paintings, Home and Personal Improvement...
Stay tuned in your feedreader!

Kids, Designs, Paintings, Home and Personal Improvement...
Stay tuned in your feedreader!

Our sweet Catybug turned 10 this past Monday, here she is after her birthday dinner on our way over to the Enchanted Forest for an evening of carnival rides. Isn’t she turning into a gorgeous young lady? I think so. Of course I fully realize this can only mean trouble, having such a smart, sweet, pretty young lady as a daughter. Especially now that we’re in the double digits.

Her new favorite carnival ride? The Tilt-o-Whirl, of course! Smart girl, she is. This was her first carnival experience, yes we lead a sheltered life. (Really, who wants to ride rides and catch bugs when ya scream out here in farm country?) She and I rode the Tilt-o-Whirl 4-5 times. I think I was the only one screaming my fool head off in it! Something about that ride just takes me back and makes me feel like a kid. Something else about that ride reminds me that I still have 20 pounds to lose - I think it has to do with the G-force that whips the excess poundage up against the seat when you fly around in circles.

Of course this whole thing got me curious, what’s your favorite carnival ride? Are you a roller-coaster-er, or a spinner?

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I’ve been away for a few days, we had a nice relaxing trip to a waterpark resort and did some hiking at Starved Rock State Park. This little Chipmunk didn’t mind us being nearby, in fact I was surprised to see so many critters pay no mind at all to passing hikers.

I dove back into work today by setting up a special category for the photography I’ve made available in print form. The Photography Print category now contains all of my photography available as prints (scroll down to see the category contents since this Chipmunk is part of it), and a new page containing information about the prints can be found here: Leanne’s Photography in Print.

When you see that little “gotta have it” button logo beneath one of my photographs and you’re inclined to purchase a print, you can head over to the info page and select a size and proceed to checkout thru Paypal.

I do hope you all know that all of the artwork I create and publish here is meant to be enjoyed - sweet treats for your eyeballs either as a print or here on my blog in digital form. :)

If you have any questions, please let me know!

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The pig is complete! I finished painting him at about 3:30 AM (This morning. Yes. I’m awake.), applying the final coat of pig hair and signing off on him (under the feedbags on the leg). His eyeglasses have been attached with silicone, the cows are moo-ing, the farmer is feeding the pigs - all is well on the Bordwell Feed Farm this fine Sunday morning, so go on and have a look at the rest of the detail images.

With that, I bid you a good weekend - I am taking a couple of days off!

Kids, Designs, Paintings, Home and Personal Improvement...
Stay tuned in your feedreader!

Kids, Designs, Paintings, Home and Personal Improvement...
Stay tuned in your feedreader!

How could you possibly get mad at a face like this? Pee on the new carpet. Check. Puddles in the studio, family room and kitchen. Piles in the furnace room and studio. Am I mad? You bet your butt I’m mad - right up until the point he makes this face, and then it’s all over.

Boy’s either smarter than a whip, or never gonna learn.

BTW, our phone service is out. If you’re trying to reach me, try one of the cell numbers. If you don’t have our cell# and need it, drop me an e-mail or leave a comment. We’re all better now. :)

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Some hoove action going on with the pig today, pretty tough making two toes and a dewclaw out of a solid round leg, but they turned out really neat - and will look even better when hair is smoothed out over the edges.

Kids, Designs, Paintings, Home and Personal Improvement...
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