I'm Back!

 

 Well hello peeps! Hope everyone is doing well. Hubby and I finally made it to our last scheduled trip to Cape May (the earlier 2 had to be cancelled -you know why 😔). We weren't sure at all what to expect or how things would go as far as dining, etc. but we needed to get away no matter - and it was really wonderful, and we felt quite comfortable too! I will say we found it the most crowded we had ever seen  the center pedestrian square (which is like any town's Main Street) this time of year! People were on top of each other- in the outdoor dining places, in the stores, and in the surrounding streets. SO, we got away from it as quickly as we could, and then stayed away! After over 25 years of going to CM we didn't need to be in the center touristy area of shops and dining😉

 We also celebrated our anniversary there and were pleasantly surprised that evening we went out to a newer(to us) favorite place. More on that in another post.

 

 The water came up higher than we'd ever seen but it wasn't that cold. It was the high winds though and the cold air that was a bit challenging at times. To the left of the yellow house is the motel we stay at. They did such a super job regarding cleanliness and all the Covid rules!

 After some beach time we walked to have an early dinner at Ocean View Restaurant where we typically go for breakfast. But we have found their lunch and dinner food to be fantastic as well. And so here is my ticket back in to T Stands For Tuesday:

 Yes, we did eat indoors even though there was plenty of space outdoors. But it was windy- and I'm always cold so thankfully restaurants got approval to again allow indoor dining at 25% capacity. I had a chicken Caesar wrap which came with fries, a dill pickle and coleslaw. My drink choice- water. Hubby had coffee and a turkey club sandwich(look at all the fries on his plate- and he ate every bit!!) Of course I had to take half of my wrap with me and ate it that evening. Cheers to the gang-can't wait to catch up with everyone!

 

 And now for the art part.

 This journal page in the Dina Wakley Blue Edition Media Journal was made for the last Instagram "Year Of Gratitude" Challenge hosted by Dina and Ranger Ink. The prompt was "I am grateful for reflection". I USED to be quite a perfectionist regarding pretty much everything. I am so glad I grew out of that-because man, that was a lot of work I imposed upon myself! 

 

 Another page in the Blue Journal- this time on a burlap page. I used Dina Wakley stencils and gloss sprays on the page. I made three tags similar to this one to add to my pages. These textured tags were inspired by tags I saw on another artist's Instagram feed. I used dictionary text on the tag before adding the modeling paste, gloss sprays, and stamping. That bit of black mesh was lying on my art table so I just plopped it behind the tag. Joining in at Art Journal Journey (theme is "texture" hosted this month by Jo), Tag Tuesday(theme is "book pages"), and Try It On Tuesday (Use Your Scraps).

 I'm also getting back to Paint Party Friday later in the week.  Looking forward to seeing all you've been up to lately!

I thought this quote to be so appropriate since we are enjoying very warm, summer-like weather right now (as in 82 F as I'm typing this)- and I for one couldn't be happier about it😁

" Happily we bask in this warm September sun, which illuminates all creatures..."

                                                          Henry David Thoreau