Friday Face OFF Portrait Challenge

 

 Welcome To Friday Face OFF (FFO)

This is the place to show off your face art.

You know, ANY type of face, nature, the face of a flower, Photography, drawings, paintings. There just needs to be a face in your blog post.

 

This is it! FFO second Portrait Challenge.

Create a portrait of anyone! I'm very excited to see what all of you have to show today.

I have two that I created for this challenge.  Mr. M. likes this first one better. I do like it but I think I like the second one more because it was quite difficult for me, and I'm trying to improve. The second piece help me learn some things.  Let me know which one you like best.

These are images I found online. They were both in color and I manipulated them to black and white.

So here it goes. 

#1 Mr. M's. choice.

This is the image I used.

 

I do love her quirky features. 

Here is #2

I did change her eyes. In the photo she looks like a deer in headlights.  

This is the larges paper I have and it wasn't long enough to get the bottom half of her. I tried but it made the entire drawing too small, especially her head. LOL 

 I just could not get her hand to sit correctly. In the photo there is a bit of her left hand showing. Yeah... that didn't work so I omitted it. Make strategic decisions is the fun part of art.

 

I can't wait to see who joined in for the challenge and I hope you had fun with this. 

A few AI pieces.

It is challenge week. 

 

Now for a few features.

Gene Black 

He is way too cool. 

Heidrun

Just chillin'

 

Debra She who Seeks

Seriously, this art just brings on the smiles.

Don't forget to join in for Sunday in the Art Room, "SITAR" Anything art. Oh and please don't forget to link back to my blog. Thanks 

 

That's it for me. 

Now it's time to show me your face

 Nicole  

 

Big Reminder

 Hi Everyone!

Wanted to put out a reminder that this week on Friday Face OFF Jan. 30th, it is the Portrait Challenge showing. I changed the rules so read below.

 

 The challenge is to create a portrait of anyone you want. It can be your family, friends, actors, faces you find on the internet, or a perfect stranger that will allow you a photo to work from and to show with your portrait. Change; after thinking about it. Photography is an art and a portrait shot is allowed.  

Sorry, I can be slow at times. LOL

In addition the challenge is optional, I still want to see all of the faces you create.

All entries will be featured on the follow weeks FFO post. Please don't forget to link back to my blog and post that this is a challenge with Friday Face OFF.

Thank you so much 

Nicole 

In search of a coffer mug

 Hi Everyone!

I have a lot of mugs or cups. However, I'm ready to throw most of them out. It seems that none of them hold their heat. So, I'm in search of a good mug.

In my search I about fell out of my chair with the prices. OMG! 

I think the smart mugs are all the in thing to keep your drink warm. If I want to come in to this century. 

 

Oh and this one is $100.00 

No Flippen Way!

 

I don't want a thermos mug. 

 

This black mountain mug is OK, but again it's $44.00 for one

I would just like a pretty, 

yes I said pretty :) everyday mug that I don't have to put in the mircor to reheat my coffee.

I kind of like this hand warmer mug. But when I looked at it there was no description of how good it holds heat.  What type of mug do you use?

Do any of you have a suggestion?

I'm off to the mircor to heat my coffee uhhhgggg.
 Have a good day today

Nicole 

It works if you just do it.

 Hi Everyone!

 6 months ago I wrote a 2 posts on a subject that is not talked about, even if you've been diagnosed with it. It's multiple organ prolapse.  You can read both of my posts here and here

This morning I saw my urogynecologist for my 6 month check up.  She was elated with the progress I have made. She said my tissue looks great and the muscle tone went from a 3 to top of the chart 5. She said, "If you continue with what you are doing there will be no surgery for you."

YAY!!!!! Knowing that my hard work is paying off has brought renewed energy to continue with my program as long as I can. She did emphasis NO LIFTING! So my gardening will be limited to my big garden space only. That's OK with me.

I'm sharing this in hopes that if you have any type of prolapse,  female or male, to go to physical therapy, get on a program, research and add to it. 

Take control of your health. 

Because in the end, it's all we have.

Nicole 

Monster Monday

 Hi Everyone!

I know a lot of people don't like the idea of AI art. However, it is certainly becoming main stream. In fact,  prestigious  art institutions, such as the Museum of Modern Art and Christie's auction house, have highlighted AI-generated work. Christie's first auction was in 2018 bringing in a single sale of $432.500. The sales have simply gone up form there and in 2025 Christie's presented its first all AI art auction. I write this only to say, AI art is legitimate. There is a lot more to say about this but I want to get into monsters.

  Someone on NC liked this so much they tipped me 10 credits!

 

 

I don't have this one published yet. You are the first to see it. 

Now for some pretties. You know, I do this so some of you won't have nightmares. 😁 

These are surreal pieces. 

 

That's it for now. 

Wishing everyone a great week. 

For all of my friends stuck in this extreme weather, stay safe and warm.  

 Nicole

Sunday in the Art Room SITAR

 Welcome to

Above made by me with NightCafe. 

Today is for artists that create in ANY medium to come on by and just talk art. Write a post about what's on your mind in the art world. It's a place to ask questions on your blog where other's can hopefully answer. Or share your videos, your techniques, tools or even what type of camera you use. So, you say you can't draw but you can write.... that's art baby! AI creations are welcome as well. Since this type of art is taking off to main stream. Let's say you think you are in no way artsy. But you love art. Show murals, historical art, your friends or kids art and talk about it.  

I would like this to be an all inclusive way for artist to share, whatever. 

My only rule? Criticism with kindness. 

If someone asks to have their art critiqued it must be done with generosity and consideration. 

This is a place of encouragement and inspiration. 

 

Over the last week I have received comments and emails about using prompts. In some cases I think prompts are very helpful, especially if you are having a hard time getting started. Or if you are in some kind of art challenge. 

For me, however, prompts seem to limit me. In my head I think I can't go outside of the boundaries and I get stuck. I lose my spontaneity.

With that said there are some who can't create without a catalyst. One person wrote and asked where to get prompts. 

In this day and age a simple click of the computer key will set you to a host of written ideas, videos, and descriptions that can help you create. 

A single word can spark inspiration. Don't take a defeated breath and tell yourself you just can't think of anything to create. If you want to make art then make art!

Flip through books, or magazines. Turn on some music or a movie. 
Set a timer and sketch for 5 minutes. Don't think about it, just start drawing, or painting, or putting collage together. What ever your medium is. 

In my wildest dreams I never thought I would consider myself a portrait artist. However, I do sketch other things. Mostly other body parts. Lately it has been feet and hands. Who knows where this will take me. The same is for you. 

 These are 5 minute sketches. 

 

This one is a little longer maybe 25 minutes.

 The main thing that stops people from creating is... fear. Fear that it won't be good enough= self doubt.  Fear of rejection= worrying about what other's will think. Fear of comparison= comparing your work to more experienced artists and feeling defeated. 

Self doubt, flip the wheel. We all go through self doubt but you have to stomp your foot on the ground and say, "I'm an artist, and what I create is worthy." 

Worrying about others. Who gives a flying flip what others think? If you like what you create then you will improve with each new project. If someone is giving you negative responses then quit showing that person your art. You don't need them!

Comparing your art to more experienced artists and feeling bad is the opposite of what you should be thinking. Instead, "Wow! Look at that art." Inspect it, see how it is created. If the artist is around talk to them. Then create with new confidence and pride in your art. 

Everyone is on a different level with their art. We only get better by sharing and talking with each other.  With patience and practice to achieve what we want.

I kind of got off the subject of prompts but I hope this post has given you enthusiasm to go to your space and create!

That's if for me. I look forward to seeing your art in Sunday in the Art Room

Nicole   

Nazi America

 

This is Nazi America 

Another update

The Nazi Queen  Kristi Noem announced that DHS  will be investigating the latest agent-involved shooting, instead of the FBI.  she already said this was a closed book. 

See article here. 

 

Update

So much has happened since I posted this. The National Gard has been deployed by the governor. The "thing" administration is pass off lies about Alex Pretti who was murdered on the streets. Alex was an ICU nurse Minneapolis VA hospital. 

From all accounts Alex was holding a phone not a gun but we will see how this lies play out. Just like the "thing" is doing with Renae Nicole Good.

Everyone better hold on this is not the end.

 

 

 Another shooting in Minneapolis  and it is fatal  this is going on right now. 

Click on the link to watch live.  

OMG! Smoke detectors

 Hi Everyone!

Yesterday morning I woke at 3AM. Too much going on in my brain. 

Upon going to bed last night my though was, "If possible I will sleep in." For me that's getting up around 7AM. 

I was deep in sleep having the best dream when...... the piercing, screaming sound of the upstairs smoke detector went off. Just 3 loud, intrusive, high pitched, ear spiting screeches in the dead of night. 

We got it sorted out but there is no going back to bed for me. 

Once I'm awake, I'm up.

So, I will show you what I did yesterday. First the other day when I had my PET scan we stopped at Winco to get a few groceries. When we got home I remembered I needed brown sugar. Ok, I'll  just get some at Fred Meyers. How much more expensive can it be, right? OMFG!!!! A bag of C&H brown sugar is $4.49. Not if I was starving would I pay that. I came home and made my own. 

Place 1 cup of cane sugar in a bowl. 

Add 1 to 2 T of unsulfured Molasses and mix it up bit.

Then put it into a food processor or blender and mix until you have brown sugar. 

I used to make this all the time. I like being able to adjust the molasses to my taste. Not sure why I stopped making this.

I do store it in an air tight bag or container.

Well, since I'm up I should see what needs to be done around the house.

Have a wonderful (wide awake) Saturday. For all of my friends that are in the midst of the storm be safe and stay warm.

Nicole 

 

 

Friday Face OFF 1/23/2026

 

 Welcome To Friday Face OFF (FFO)

This is the place to show off your face art.

You know, ANY type of face, nature, the face of a flower, Photography, drawings, paintings. There just needs to be a face in your blog post.

Next week, Jan. 30 the FFO challenge will be time to show your face.   

  

 Hi Everyone!

I can't believe it's Friday already, but glad it is. Yesterday, I had to drive to Springfield to have a PET scan. 

The results were in before I got home. 

Some good some not so good.  

 However, I just don't want to think about it right now. 

 

So let's look at art. 

This is my face for this week. I gave a peek preview on SITAR a few weeks ago. She starts like this. 

I started with the ear.

Then a bit on the face.

And then finished.

A few weeks ago I was going through art paper and discovered this face. I truly can't remember when I drew this or why I stopped and hid it away. 

I will work on it to see if I can bring her to live. 

Here is some of my recent AI that I create on NightCafe.  

 

It's time for some features

 

Tom from Back Roads Traveller 

 

Leeanna Not Afraid Of Color

The new challenge is to create a portrait of anyone you want. It can be your family, friends, actors, faces you find on the internet, or a perfect stranger that will allow you a photo to work from and to show with your portrait. You can work in any medium, except photography, meaning you can't just show a photo of a face. For this challenge you must create a face.

In addition the challenge is optional, I still want to see all of your faces though.

 

Don't forget to join in for Sunday in the Art Room, "SITAR" Anything art. Please don't forget to link back to my blog. Thanks 

 

That's it for me. Now it's time to show me your face.

 Nicole   

Really?

 Hi Everyone!

I would like to know what effin' world these people live in?  Oh, I forgot for a minute. The mega rich world. 

Today I speaking about Brook Rollins, who's net worth is about 15 million. The latest BS from her and RFK Jr is to flip the food chart and to tell the American people they can eat a meal for $3.00. 

I will get to this clarification in a minute. 

First in 1992 the USDA put out this food chart. Making a pyramid eating foods from the bottom up.

See a problem here? Another subject about the food industry in our country. I will tackle this one in a later post. Just a note though, the US government subsidizes farmers to grow certain crops to produce processed foods that "they" make sure are on our tables. 

Back to the rich who don't do their own shopping and certainly don't eat what everyday Americans eat and don't have a clue what food costs.

In 2005 another chart was introduced.

The same BS as the first one, only in a different style. 

Do they think we are stupid? 

Rollin's said and I quote, "A budget-friendly meal could include "a piece of chicken, a piece of broccoli, a corn tortilla, and one other thing, would cost about $3.00."

She didn't specify what the one other thing would be. She said that the USDA ran over 1,000 simulations to come up with this meal. Really? Would she eat this? Never once did they think to include or even interview actual Americans. It's just another one of the "thing's" economic illiteracy that will hurt the American people trying to stretch a dollar to feed their families.

Because these numbers will cut the SNAP program even further and monies to Food Banks.  

The "thing" who has assembled the wealthiest cabinate in US history,

( you can see it here) has said that it's best to take economic advise from a rich person. This is moronic, since rich people don't know what real life is all about. The "thing" has said that American people should sacrifice and buy less stuff. Has to do with his tariffs, that affects food.

After the backlash Rollin's received over her obtuseness, she came back with this statement. Her regret was not emphasizing "robust" enough explaining she meant "LARGE pieces of chicken and broccoli, plus other items like a baked potato or bread to meet daily calorie need. She clarified that simulations showed meals meeting the guidelines could cost $15.46 per day, emphasizing the affordability of components like poultry, beans, potatoes and frozen vegetable." 

Sooooo she wants people to eat one meal a day? (snarky) 

Is there proof?

Based on reports from January 2026, there is

no publicly released, detailed data or raw documentation verifying the "1,000 simulations" mentioned by Rollins to prove her $3-per-meal claim. I think in her brain stumped head that was a good number to go with.

The Wall Street Journal did their own shopping in Boston and New Orleans and found they could achieve a "Rollin's" meal.

Notice how small this plate is? Personally I wouldn't eat this. 

Not served like this anyway.

Critics argue that the simulations likely use UNREALISTIC or highly specific, low-cost scenarios (e.g., buying single items rather than bulk) that do not reflect the reality for the average, time-crunched American consumer.
I don't know about you but in my stores I can't buy just one piece of chicken. 

A USDA spokesperson did not respond to direct questions regarding how these 1,000 simulations were actually conducted, according to a report from January 21, 2026. 

Independent price checks in lower-cost areas (e.g., Omaha, NE) suggest that while individual servings of these ingredients can mathematically equal roughly $0.50–$1.00, critics argue these "simulations" ignore the reality of bulk purchasing requirements and food accessibility. 

In my town prices are ridiculously high. I'm very frugal and on a tight food budget, I wish I could feed us for NE prices. I have to drive to Eugene to shop at Winco where the prices are at least half of the 2 grocery stores here. I guess what I'm trying to say is, this administration will say, (lie) do anything to hurt the American people and do it with a smile.

 

 Done ranting for the day 

Nicole