Happy Valentine's Day.

 

Hi Everyone!

What ever you do today make it the best.

Nicole
 

Friday Face OFF 2/13/26 FFO

 

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, AI. There just needs to be a face in your blog post, a link back to my blog and please use the image below. Thank you.

It's Friday the 13, always a lucky day for me. Hope it is for you too.

New portrait challenge! See at the end of this post  

 

This last week we have had to travel to Eugene 3 times. Uhhhggg. It makes for very long and tiring days and not much time for art. Ha ha, I always find time for art. Even if it's just half an hour in the evenings. Do you make time for art?

 

A month or more ago I created a face with pastels. A goofy face, but I really like her.

Then, as I mentioned last Friday, I was working on some graphite that I just didn't like the paper. 

(I will explain this more in the weeks SITAR)

I scrapped the graphite, then I found a painting of a face online that I really liked sketching her out on the creepy paper. 

 I went for the pastels. The main reason I like pastels is that, for me, it's messy art and I like that. 

I had progression photos and because I'm an idiot they got deleted. EEEEkkkk!

You get the finished piece. 

I'm very happy with this. 

 

I have never drawn from life. Just never had the opportunity. As I mentioned above I make time for art.  I decided to draw Mr. M. while he was watching TV after a day in Eugene. I did this in 20 minutes. Quite different drawing from life than from a photo. It's not great but it dose look like him. 

I'm going to try to draw more from life. Doing this piece was a good exercise. 

 

Are you ready for a new portrait challenge? 

This one is all about expressions. Create a portrait that shows one of the following emotions. Choose from,

 

1. Happy, a big smile showing teeth, bright eyes with smile lines and wrinkles. 

 

2. Sad, create a face with downcast eyes, a down turned mouth, tears running down the cheeks.

 

3. Tired. Create a face that has dark circles under the eyes with a blank stare. Or yawning. Slumped shoulders. 

 

4. Surprise. Make a face with wide eyes with lifted eyebrows and forehead wrinkles, A mouth that is in a circle shape.

 

5. Anger. A lowered furrowed brow, glaring eyes, flared nostrils, and thin lips. 

 

You may create one or more of the expressions or all of them!

 

You have 11 weeks to create your challenge face (s). April 24th will be the show date on FFO. Use any art medium you like and make it fun!

Remember, the challenges are optional you may still join FFO with your face posts.

 

Now, let's see some features.  

Cloudia. If you want to start your day off with happiness, this is the place. 

Luiz shows some of the most beautiful images of where he lives and the art from the amazing museums there. 

Don't forget to join in for Sunday in the Art Room, "SITAR" Anything art. 

Please link back to my blog and use this image. Thank you so much.

That's it for me. 

Now it's time to show me this weeks faces.
Nicole 
 

More beans please

 Hi Everyone!

You might think we eat a lot of meals that include beans. Or just beans and a salad with corn bread. Well we do.

First and I'm not bragging but I do make some of the best beans EVER! LOL 

Above; 15 bean mix just starting to cook.

 

Mr. M. and I have always enjoyed a bean meal and, since almost everything we eat is now kidney friendly, the beans are at the top of the list when meal planning.

 

Why?

Plant-Based Protein: Beans provide high-quality, plant-based protein, which  reduces toxins, inflammation and produces   less acid in the body compared to animal proteins (meat, dairy). This means less stress on the kidneys. Even adding several bean meals a month will help protect kidneys.

 

High in Fiber: Beans are packed with soluble fiber, that forms a gel to help lower cholesterol and blood sugar. In addition insoluble fiber that helps with digestion health.  Sufficient fiber intake  can be a challenge for people with CKD, making beans a perfect meal. 

 

If you remember when I was teaching my self about CKD diet, I learned that phosphorus and potassium are kidney killers.

Lower Phosphorus Absorption: While beans contain phosphorus, it's bound in a form called phytates, which the body absorbs less efficiently (only about 30-50%) compared to the phosphorus in animal products or processed food additives. 

I know that Potassium is not good for CKD patients. It is a matter of keeping control of it. Mr. M. has low potassium so again, beans are a great meal for him.

 

Heart Health: One of the most important parts of the body for CKD patients is the heart. Did you know that 40 to 50% of advanced CKD patients are more likely to die from heart failure, arrhythmia and stroke? 

Beans are low in fat, with no saturated fat or cholesterol, which helps protect the heart. Kidney disease patients are at an increased risk for heart disease, so heart-healthy foods are just as important as the kidney friendly foods.

 

Whether you have kidney disease or not, a bean meal is a healthy and delicious choice. Plus, it's so easy to prepare. 

15 beans with a bit of rice, a salad and a corn bread muffin. Can't go wrong!
 Do you prepare and eat beans? Let me know in the comments.

  Nicole 

Note; FFO will post Friday 

at 1:30AM US SPT 

The Handmaiden Tale Coming

 Hi Everyone!

 

I first read "The Handmaiden's Tale", a 1985 novel by Margaret Atwood, a few years after it came out. Then, I saw the movie in 1990 staring Natasha Richardson, Elizabeth Mcgovern, and Faye Dunaway and Robert DuVall.  I don't have Hulu so I've never seen the series of The Handmaiden's Tale. However, with the "thing" in the white house and the map of the heritage foundation. They want to start an effin marriage camp.

I have read comments on this and men and women are calling it, "rape camp". 

Even, their description of it doesn't sound good. 

A new report from the Heritage Foundation suggests policies it says will strengthen the American family, including marriage camps for young unmarried people and two-child families.

The authoritarian and fascist group, which is behind the Project 2025 policy document, is also advocating for other policies, including those designed to encourage people to marry young and forgo education in favor of starting a family.

One recommendation is marriage camps, which would serve as boot camps that would prepare couples for marriage with a communal wedding ceremony and a financial reward for completion. Couples would also be assigned a mentor to help them through married life.

According to NBC, the total cost of the Saving America by Saving the Family initiative would be $280 billion over the next decade. As to whether taxpayers would pick up the bill, the Heritage Foundation’s documentation notes that the federal government has previously earmarked money for “marriage education programs.” 

Since all of these rich white men are liars, cheats and pedophiles, this would NOT be what they describe.  

The, "thing" has earmarked money for this but NOT cancer research, or any real medical research, no school lunches for kids, there is money reduction for LIHEAP, (energy assistance) section 8 housing, no money for education, or anything else that will actually help people. 

I know, I know, I'm starting to rant. I really wanted to say, what prompted me to write about the marriage camp crap is that Mr. M. and I were searching for a movie to watch and a came across, "Motherland" a 2025 film that fits in with what the "right" wants to happen to women. 

 100 years after a revolution, the state takes over child-rearing to eliminate the burden of parenting, creating a controlled and often nightmarish society. They women are always under some sort of testing in everyday life and always under a watchful eye. This dystopian film is worth the watch. Free on 

Prime, youtube, and roku. I think it's on Apple TV also. 

Hope you watch it. A well written story.

Nicole 

 

Tuesday Mundane Stuff

 Hi Everyone!

No! I didn't watch the Super Bowl, however I do love the Budweiser adds and this one has to be about the best. Wanna good start to your day watch this.

After searching high and low I finally found a coffee mug that holds its heat and I found it here in town on sale. 

In fact, I found 2. 

Not my favorite color at all but hey, my coffee stays hot. 

I bought 2 of these.  Because, why not?

This has some sort of silky finish on it and it hold the heat very well.

That problem solved.  

Today was a trip to Eugene to see Mr. M's Kidney doctor. He is very happy with the continual success with the kidney and has cut back some of his meds. We will see how it all goes. 

We also did our monthly grocery shopping at Winco. It wasn't too busy and I got everything on my list.  

Doctor and groceries makes for a long day. Even with light traffic coming home it still took us an 1 1/2 hours. Oh, and I'm not a slow driver. I have what you would call a lead foot on the gas peddle. LOL

This would be me passing all the slow pokes on the road.

That's it for now.

Have a great day.

Nicole
 

Monster Monday

 Welcome to 

On Sunday morning I came up with some GREAT monsters over on NightCafe. 

Remember, AI is an art from where the written word creates the art. It's not as easy as you may think. 

For those of you who are waiting for the pretties, look at the next few pieces for the creativity, not so much the horror. 
 

 

Yeah, I have a warped mind for this. LOL

So some of you don't have bad dreams here are some pretties

 

That's it for now. 

Wishing everyone a great week. 

 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. 

 

How do you learn to create? 

 

Do you watch youtube videos for art?

I do and don't really know what I would do without them. Many, many, years ago in blogland there was link up called Paint Party Friday. (PPF) I met some of you through that blog. One of the artist there encouraged me to join in with my ,then, horrible portraits. 

 PPF inspired me to improve with my art. Back then I was painting a lot too.  It's when I started watching Youtube in earnest. I didn't and still don't have access to art classes here. I wouldn't enjoy them anyway. I'm a lone artist and having someone stand over me and then try to instruct me on how to create just wouldn't work for me. LOL

Youtube and other on line formats has allowed people from all over the world to learn about art and to create art.  I bring this up to share some Youtubes that are created by two of our blogging friends.

The first one is by Gene Black 

 

Another one of our bloggers with youtube is Maria Medeiros

 

 Of course, I have nothing against art classes, but for me and others the internet has allowed so many to learn to create in the comfort of their homes.

Do you like learning from videos? 

Do you create videos I can share in SITAR?

Let me know in the comments. 

 

This last week I pulled out my 

Brusho pigments.

Image from internet. 

I wrote about Brusho back in 2020 and you can see the post here

If you don't know Brusho, it's a highly pigmented, dye based, water soluble, non toxic and acid free watercolor powders. They are colors are explosive when water is added to the powder. I use them on canvas, heavy paper, watercolor paper, and even wood.

I made these backgrounds on canvas and intend to paint "something" on them with acrylics.

You can spray water onto your surface and then sprinkle on the pigments.

Or sprinkle on the pigment and spray water on top of it. I added silver in parts of the top blue 

Here is a close up.

 

And guess what? A video to show you a sample of how to use Brusho.

That's if for me. I look forward to seeing your art in 

Sunday in the Art Room

Nicole   

Best Tacos EVER

 Hi Everyone!

You may notice that I have changed the wording on the banner of my blog. The last few days have been like summer here. The other day I decided to clean up the big garden. 

I used all of my learned techniques on how to protect my prolapse. However, when I was finished, I knew I had hurt myself. I've been resting and getting things back to where they were. All of this means there will be no more gardening for me. I'm very sad about this but my physical health is more important. I will be spending more time at the farmers market. 

With this change I've decided to really focus on art, of course, more food and recipes, and just everyday things. I will try to make it all interesting. LOL

Soooo, want the recipe to the best veggie roasted tacos you ever made?

Cooking without oil has been a game changer in my house. From meat to veggies, no more oil. Very kidney friendly.

 I started like this.

I cut up 3 types of potatoes, yellow, russet  and sweet potato. Red bell pepper, cabbage and red onion. You can use any type of veggies.  

In a screaming hot non stick pan toss in the onions and bell peppers.

Flip the veggies or stir them with a spoon as they start to brown.

When you can see the browning add the cabbage.

Allow to brown until bell peppers are almost cooked through.

While these are browning take the potatoes and pop them in the microwave until they are just starting to get soft. 4 0r 5 minutes for my micro.

In anther pan that is non stick and screaming hot add the potatoes and brown them until cooked through.

Add some beans, I had pintos on hand, and some whole corn. Brown these with the potatoes.

Mix in the other veggies and season with garlic powder, cumin, coriander, Mexican oregano, black pepper and any other spices you like.  

Prepare your tortillas anyway you like. I did add a bit of cheese, tomatoes and homemade guacamole. 

 

As we all know cooking for 1 or 2 people leaves left overs no matter how hard you tried to make just the right amount. 

My left over pan roasted veggies will go into a soup. 
 I hope you give this a try.

Eat Well.

Nicole 

Friday Face OFF Feb 6

 Notice! Starting next Friday 2/12/26 Friday Face OFF will be posted on Fridays at 1:30 AM PST in the US. 

 

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, a link back to my blog and please use the image below. Thank you.

I have several portraits going at one time right now. Two of them are on paper I absolutely dislike. Too much tooth for blending. If I finish them I will show at a later date. 😁

Today I have a colored pencil piece that I created several months ago.

She starts like this. Well, it's the only process photo I took. 

She finished like this. 

I do like how her neck turned out. LOL 

 

The first week of this year I showed this photo. I found her in some of my art papers and thought I should try to make her come alive. 

Here she is now.

A few AI pieces I did using NightCafe

AI art exercises the brain. You have to  create prompts to achieve the results you want. Try it, it's free. 

Textured face

 

More overlay texture

 

colorful and dynamic

 

You can also create anime and cartoons.
Hope you give it a try.

 

Now for the features. These are the wonderful artists that joined in the last FFO portrait challenge. I'm very impressed with each and every one!

Iris	Carola
Gene	Arnoldo
Gillena	Christine
Kwarkito	Maria
Mia	Erika N
Carol	Jeanie
Debra	Andrea
Louis	Linda

Don't forget to join in for Sunday in the Art Room, "SITAR" Anything art. 

Please link back to my blog and use this image. Thank you so much.

 

That's it for me. 

Now it's time to show me this weeks faces.
Nicole