Baby Praying Mantis

Matt and I had fun taking pictures of this baby praying mantis. She was only about 2 inches long. I say "she" because her body proportions suggested a female. You know females eat their male after mating?! Still she was a cutie!!!

Walnut ink daisies

This sketch is done with walnut ink and a Zebra G nib (pointed pen). I went back in with a damp brush and softened some of the shadows. I like the way it turned out:>

Find magic in each day

Years ago, while vacationing on Captiva Island, FL, I found myself thinking about how many magical moments I experienced there. It was several years later before I realized it wasn't so much the place as it was my state of mind that allowed these magical moments to be noticed. Now I try to find the "magic" in each day. Often, it's watching a bird or animal, but it could be a passage in a book I'm reading, an event reported in the news, or time spent with a friend. I'll try to share "magic" from my days with you.

July 3, 2011: When I asked my 19 year old nephew (Mike) if he wanted to go see the "Mummies" Exhibit with us, he said "I already have a Mummy. Why would I want to go see one?" To which I replied "But these are old, decaying mummies from all over the world!" Mike grabbed me with a big bear hug and said "But I've got you." A tease..yes...but that hug said it all with warmth and affection.