Mr. French, Revisited a.k.a Progress Report Part II

I knew that I had been missing some pretty priceless pictures, but I did not know that they were so easily accessible.  These coveted pictures were hiding on my ancient digital camera, which had a dead battery for approximately seven months.  Oh, the joy of joyous occasions it was when I discovered the most pricelessest of priceless pictures; the one and only, Mr. French.  You may recall from some very old posts, that I was doing a portrait for some friends of mine, of their beloved pooch.  Here, finally, eight months after the painting was completed and happily hanging in it's new home, is the finished product!  Hooray! 

p.s.  Congratulations to Momma and Papa French, they are tying the knot!

How Do I Love Thee? Let Me Count the Deals...

Gravitation is not responsible for people falling in love.  ~Albert Einstein

~o~o~o~  10% off Entire Etsy Shop ~o~o~o~

Okay, here's what's up - from now through Valentines Day everything in my Etsy Shop is 10% off when you enter CANDY HEARTS into the notes to seller.  Get your sweetie something fuzzy, or your kiddo a huggable critter or show that co-worker how much you care.  Custom orders are available, just comment on this post or send me a message on my Etsy site.  

If you're driving into town
With a dark cloud above you
Dial in the number
Who's bound to love you 

-Joni Mitchell

Let it Snow

Winter is the perfect time of year to cozy up with a warm mug of hot chocolate, a cozy quilt and a nice book.  Some of my favorite books are the stories that I grew up with, particularly those about winter.  I love some of the classics, like How the Grinch Stole Christmas and 'Twas the Night Before Christmas but some of my favorites don't have anything to do with holidays, but rather, they are a tribute to when the world slows down, cools off and moves indoors.  
Below you will find some of my favorite winter books as well as some snowy treats from Etsy.  I have listed a few Christmas books, but most of them are worth the read well into February.

The Snowy Day  

by: Ezra Jack Keats

 The Polar Express
by: Chris Van Allsburg

The Winter Picnic   

by: Robert Welber  Illustrated by Deborah Ray

Owl Moon  

by: Jane Yolen

The Mitten  

by Jan Brett

The Clown of God  

by Tomie dePaola

The Jolly Christmas Postman 

by Allan Ahlberg

Little Polar Bear 

by Hans de Beer

Thomas' Snowsuit 

by Robert N. Munsch Illustrated by Michael Martchenko

special thanks to: Violetteville Vintage,  Tasty Vintage, Gaelianna,   Wildlife Prints, Wave Song,
United Thread,  Sunny Hands, Talk 2 the Trees, 
Obscurio