When you go on vacation, bats move in!

{Watercolor, 2012}

My husband and I left for vacation a little over a week ago (and had a great time, I might add!) We departed to Michigan for my brother-in-law's beautiful wedding and then headed up north to visit the Traverse City area. It was a peaceful week and we did quite a bit for only one week. As we were driving home to Iowa, I noticed that my neighbor had sent me a text that a bat had been dive bombing her as she was feeding our pets! I was surprised to hear that because we have never had issues with bats before. When we finally made it home, it was still light out (just barely) and we searched the house. Finally, we found a little brown bat stuck in a bucket in the basement. After a little research, I found out that bats can't fly up and out of things. They need a little loft for coasting. We brought the bucket outside and carefully lifted him onto a tree where he promptly climbed up and flew away. We thought that was the end of our adventure with bats. Wrong. (side note, little brown bats are really really cute!!!) Later that night, as we were nodding off to sleep I awoke to a very distinct sound of flapping. I nudged my husband and sure enough, we had another little brown bat visiting. This time, he was flying freely in the house. (just like my neighbor had described.) Getting this little guy (who was slightly bigger than the other) out was a little more work. My husband held out a towel and the bat would swoop around, presumably trying to find a way out. He landed a few times, hanging from the ceiling, which let us have a bit of a look at his little face and structure. After several tries, the bat crawled to the towel, my husband lowered it to the door and the bat flew away, probably really hungry and ready to eat some delicious insects. I did a little more research about bats because I worried we might have a real problem on our hands. (we haven't had any more bats) It turns out, sometimes a young bat is learning to fly, gets into a place they can't get out of, and then the parent follows them to make sure they are alright. (how sweet is that?) I think that may have been the issue here. Either way, we were glad to get both bats out safely. My husband and I are pretty big animal lovers and even if its an animal that is a little creepy, we want it to be happy, healthy and safe. I know a lot about little brown bats now, so of course, I wanted to paint my own version of one. I think the real ones are cuter! So small and innocent looking!

By the Sea

{Photography, 2011}

Click image to enlarge!

I spent last week in California visiting a friend. We managed to squeeze Lake Tahoe, San Francisco, Sacramento, and a day by the sea into the week. Nothing calms me or inspires me as much as the ocean. I love all the wildlife, the seashells, the seaweed, the landscape, the smells, the tides going out and coming in; everything!

Summer Sketchbookin'

{Pencil in Sketchbook, 2009}

{Pencil and Pen in Sketchbook, 2009}

A few pages from my sketchbook. There were lots of kids running around, and they are always fun to try to sketch. (they move so darn fast!) Some of my other favorite things to draw when I'm in northern Michigan are sailboats and beaches. I did a lot of photography with traditional film while I was back home, so as soon as I get the film developed I will share some highlights (assuming any were properly exposed) I hope all had a wonderful 4th of July!

Hello Again!

After being away from my home in Des Moines for nearly 5 weeks, I am finally back in my studio and ready to create in the comforts of my own art supplies. I had been posting from Grand Rapids, MI (where my parents and doggy live) and Chicago, where I was visiting a cousin whilst doing some business. I just didn't want to broadcast my whereabouts on my blog, because it just didn't seem like that smart of an idea.
I had a great time visiting my parents and doing other things like golf, swim, visit the lake, and see friends that live in GR. In Chicago, I was able to spend three days taking in museums, shops, visiting a friend and hanging out with my cousin and her husband who have a 15 month old little girl. I did manage some work with all of this, but being home helps me be more focused! (ie, quiet, lack of distraction, and its too hot outside to garden!)

Back From Vacation

I have been on vacation for the last two weeks. This is a little watercolor sketch from my sketchbook of one of the cabins where we stayed in Northern Michigan. I had a great time but it's good to be back to civilization! (ie. internet, restaurants and air conditioning.)