last days of July

My enthusiasm was flagging last week for a number of reasons.

The crazy heat was getting to me too, and then...



this lovely thing happened...

I received a darling handmade journal in the mail from someone I barely know, possibly a real life angel, in the online Mermaid Circus class I've been in since (I can hardly believe it) April.

 



The first few pages I filled were awkward and clumsy, indicative of the mood I had been in,

but then I came to the watercolour paper and decided to go back and work with the original design I made for my first ATC at the beginning of the month.

 

And this is where I stopped.

There are still a few days left for anyone who might want to do a trade with me.

You can see the details HERE.

 

And here is a picture for my niece who I promised to show an update of our garden.

See how well the aluminum pie plates are growing from the trees?

With 3 apples and 3 peaches left on each tree, I can't say they've done the best job of discouraging the deer, but at least I'm getting used to their tinging in the nighttime breeze.

 

It is cooler today and overcast with a possibility of rain.

I hope wherever you are the weather is kind to you

and that you are kind to yourself.