Monday, April 27, 2026

Monster Monday

 Welcome to 
I'm sorry about yesterday. We had a family emergency that sent us out of town. I'm hoping all will turn out OK. 
It isn't with me or Mr. M. Thank the gods. In addition thank you all for your good wishes
 
Also, It's my birthday.
Yep, 74 and still kickin'.
 
These monsters are very grotesque so for those of you who like the pretties scan on down quickly.
  



Now for some pretties.

 


Here is the thoughtful grandmas
 

And for those of you who like flowers
 

That's it for now
Have a nice Monday
 Nicole

Saturday, April 25, 2026

No SITAR

I'm sorry due to family circumstances beyond my control there is no 
This week.

Nicole 

Cowboy Caviar

 Hi Everyone!
 
Yesterday, I met up with my neighbors. It was my turn to host and since we were meeting later in the day, I thought I would bring more than sweets to go with coffee or tea.
I made Cowboy Caviar. I did change it up a bit but it was delish.
Have you ever made it or eaten it?
 
Add some corn chips and you have a meal.
In addition you can pretty much add whatever you want in this dish. 
 Here is the recipe.
3 Roma tomatoes remove seeds and dice.
2 avocados diced, I added these just before serving. 
1/4 cup red onion diced 
1 can black beans rinse and drained
1 can black eyes peas rinsed and drained
1 1/2 cups for frozen or canned corn. If it's frozen thaw thoroughly.
1 bell pepper any color seeds removed
1 jalapeno seeds removed. 
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro 
Note:
I did not add the jalapeno or the cilantro. I used Mexican Oregano, I used red and sweet onion and added small diced celery and small cubes of colby jack cheese.
I also use black beans and pinto beans. 
 The sauce.
1/3 cup olive oil, I used grapeseed oil.
2 Tablespoons line juice. I used lemon juice.
2 tablespoons red wind vinegar
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder.
Again I added some ground cumin, and a bit of chili powder.
Put all of the vegetables in a bowl. In a smaller bowl make the dressing, then pour over veggies and stir well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. I made mine the night before.
 
Hope you try and like it.
Nicole

Friday, April 24, 2026

Friday Face OFF Portrait Challenge

 Welcome to
I'm so excited to see what everyone has created. The challenge is to create a face with one or more or all of these expressions.
Happy, Sad, Tired, Surprised or/and angry.
In addition, the challenge is optional and I look forward to seeing your posts that have faces in them.
So on with the show.
 
I decided since I'm hosting the Challenge I should create all of the expressions.
The first one is, Happy
I drew her yesterday and don't have any progression photos. She was done in a hurry. Click on her to see more detail.
 

I did leave the nose ring off. 
 
Next is Sad.
 


 
Next is Tired.




This was so much fun to draw
Surprised.
 
Is he a cutie or what?

Last is Anger 
 



That's it for my FFO portrait challenge art pieces. I hope you enjoyed them. 
Don't forget SITAR
 
Sharing with Gillena 
 
Now it's your turn to show me your face.
 Nicole

Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Crazy shoes

Hi Everyone!
 
Years ago I used to show crazy shoes. I will admit it, I am a shoe hoarder. Even though my high heel days are over with I still like looking at them. Then, there are just stupid shoes like these. 







You know I couldn't resist these. 

 

 
These are my favorites

And these.

And of course these.
Well that's it for shoes.
 
I will keep reminding all the fabulous artists out there that this Friday is 
The face or faces must have one of these expressions. 
Happy, Sad, Tired, Surprised and or Anger. 
 
 This challenge is completely optional. Join in with a blog post that has a face in it. Any kind of face qualifies.
I'm looking forward to seeing all the faces.
 
Have a great day today 
 Nicole 

 

Wednesday

 Hi Everyone!
 
Mr. M. came home with these yesterday.
The bow is bigger than the vase. LOL 


 
 
Also, I want to remind you that Friday Face OFF Portrait Challenge is this Friday the 24th. 

Please show a face that you have created in any art form including photographs that portray one or all of these expressions.
Happy, Sad, Tired, Surprised and or Anger. 
 This challenge is completely optional. Join in with a blog post that has a face in it. Any kind of face qualifies.
I'm looking forward to seeing all the faces.
Have a great day today 
 Nicole