Celebrations of Beauty and Life

Here are some of the latest things to come out of Harbor View studios, interspersed with  some local experiences we've had lately. This one is for a baby named Alyssa (color, Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Bulky, Victorian Pink). And those are some Mother's Day rhododendrons Fidget picked from the yard.
 

We've had a good bit of rain but lately the sun is coming out and we've explored more of our temporary island home. This rugged beauty is at Beavertail State Park.

As I've mentioned, God has given me the grace to truly enjoy and celebrate others' babies so I have delighted in making several of this little sweater for some precious babes. This one is for David Judah. Color: Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Bulky Sable.

Tide pool at Brenton State Park. 

For Averie. Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Antique Mauve.

Irises in the patio bed. The peonies have just begun to pop too. Everything looks so fresh and colorful after the recent rains.

 

For Peter. I tried to make this one an inch or so longer, as he was already a few weeks old when I got going on this one. Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Blue Magic.

And, the shoreline scene is finished! I am meeting my friend and client on Thursday. I do hope she is pleased. I am so thankful God has blessed the work of my hands. I continue to marvel at what He does through me. 

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 
I Corinthians 10:31

The Elms

I am finally getting wise. The Pres has a Daddy-date with Fidget once a month on her birth date. Yesterday I thought, why can't I do that too? Sure, I'm with her every day, all day. But so what. We're going to go out and enjoy, whatever day it is. She brought her purse with her so she could be a big lady. But I was proud of her when she didn't squander her money at the gift shop.

So, we did our school work, and then we went to the Elms. It's one of Newport's big mansions and Fig has wanted to go there since her auntie and I went there in March. Photos aren't permitted inside so we took a few out in the gardens before we stopped by Katrina's Bakery for a giant glazed ladybug cookie and then home for tea and reading. 

I've got lots of friends having babies lately. Last week I made four baby sweaters. I found a pattern that was so cute, I wanted to make one for everyone! I will show those sweaters next time. Three are on their way to new little ones. I can't wait til they get them.  God has given me such joy for others. And such contentment, praise Him. I am happy for my friends, and I'm enjoying this little girl while I've got her. Thank you, Lord.

Work in Progress

This shore scene in oils is due June 15. I am pleased with how it is starting out. I am working with umber and bleached titanium in the rocks, and predominantly Prussian blue,Bonnard blue and sap green in the water.We are scheduled to move at the end of June so this may be my last painting in Rhode Island. Today we get to pick up Fidget's Christmas painting from the local museum where it's been in a show for several months. She is looking forward to getting it back. I am beginning to look forward to our next house and thinking about the paintings I'll hope to do there. 

It was such a gorgeous day yesterday, especially for a Mother's Day. Fidget and the Pres rigged a hammock up for her in the yard, and he did some studying while I painted. Then he grilled some country style spare ribs and we topped it off by biking into town for gelatos. I am so blessed to have this family. God is good. 

Rejoice and Be Glad- Harbor View's 2nd Annual Appetizer Weekend

I recently realized it had been over a year since our family's first annual Appetizer Weekend. It was a smash with our family and helped me focus on celebrating our family. Lately I've been busy making lots of baby booties for friends' babies, and this causes me to think about our family as well. God made our family, each of us, to be here together, and these people are such a blessing to me. I want them to know I am pleased to be the wife and mom that God made me to be. So, naturally, that means it's party time!

Here are the mini crab cakes before frying. The recipe said it made 32 but it made more like 40.

Rotel cheese dip (Fidget's request) simmering in back and in front pan, ground pork for steamed dumplings and spring rolls.

Hot stuffies (stuffed quahogs or clams- see this month's Martha Stewart Magazine, p. 140, for the recipe I'm going to try next time) from Anthony's of Aquidneck seafood market. Delicious!

Mini crab cakes frying in a few tablespoons of butter. The recipe I have looks like it came from Bon Appetit, but it isn't listed in their online recipe index.

Steaming the dumplings. A recipe I picked up on one of those twirly racks in the produce section at Walmart probably 10 or more years ago. 

The first of the golden shrimp and pork spring rolls.

Here is one of the Spicy Asian Lettuce Wraps. I couldn't find chile paste anywhere in town, so I used hoisin sauce and these were so good I am going to make them again soon.  

Here's the menu from this weekend's Harbor View 2nd Annual Appetizer Weekend: 
Fresh Cut Veg with ranch dip
Hot Stuffies (stuffed clams with chorizo sausage)
Mini Crab Cakes
Steamed Dumplings
Spring Rolls
Artichoke-Stuffed Mushrooms
Spicy Asian Lettuce Wraps
Spinach-Parmesan Dip with Bagel Bites
Rotel and Cheese Dip with Nacho Chips

 I love to practice hospitality. And I love giving. In all that I don't want my family to get lost in the busyness of serving others and showing them the love of Christ. So though I make dinner every day, sometimes I like to practice hospitality on my family and show them how special they are to me.  

Seize the day, I say. After all, This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it! Psalm 118:24